Shopkeeper attacked while trying to stop pair of 'thieves'

Dominique Woodward, director of perfume store Fragrance House, battled a pair of robbers who attempted to steal from her shop on Worcester Road.

As she tried to block their exit, Mrs Woodward, 31, was punched in the ribs.

She said: “I was shaken and angry.

“The adrenaline started wearing off after a couple of minutes and all I could feel was the pain.

“Attacking someone in their workplace is never right and stealing, especially in the cost-of-living crisis, is simply not on.”

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Dominique Woodward has worked at the shop for 14 years (Image: Dominique Woodward)

Mrs Woodward has worked at the store for 14 years and says nothing like this has ever happened before.

She added: “Things are getting worse.

“They were so organised about it, they knew exactly what they wanted to do and I don’t think they were expecting someone to say ‘no, I’m not having this’.

“Who’s it going to be next?”

Recalling what happened, Mrs Woodward alleges that the two men came into the store at around 3pm on Tuesday, April 4.

Ignoring her greeting, they turned to the shelves nearest the door and began filling a large bag with items.

Screaming and trying to make herself as big as possible to block the exit, Mrs Woodward says she was punched by one of the thieves who jumped past her as she fell to the ground.

“The adrenaline’s pumping at this point, I’ve seen the other with a bag full of items and just grabbed with all my might, a big struggle ensued,” she said.

“The man with the bag was about to hit me, and the other is about to jump me from behind, but then my mother came screaming into the shop.

“They obviously thought it's not worth it and ran off.”

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In the end, the pair got away with three fragrances, but Mrs Woodward was able to keep hold of the bag full of loot.

Fortunately, Mrs Woodward’s husband, Nicholas, is a nurse and was able to check her injuries and found nothing had been broken.

She has returned to work today, April 5, but has decided to keep the front door locked, meaning customers have to knock to gain entry.

“It shouldn’t be that you have to make it as hard as possible for people to get into your shop to deter the few who are causing havoc,” she added.

West Mercia Police has confirmed it is investigating.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Officers attended and a thorough search of the area was carried out but the suspects were not located. 

"An investigation, including the review of local CCTV footage, is ongoing."