Pensioner Joe Doerr should never have resisted a robber armed with a knife who demanded cash.

Police advice is always aimed at protecting the lives of people who are being attacked and not to fight.

Yet 73-year-old Mr Doerr used a baseball bat to force the raider from the till and make him run away.

It was a close call for Mr Doerr as the robber lunged at him twice with a knife before his son came down the stairs.

He may have been reckless but it was brave of him to confront an armed man less than half his age.

Perhaps this villain will think twice before attempting another robbery, knowing there are heroes like Mr Doerr not prepared to give in without a fight.

Meanwhile there were people in the area who saw what happened. They should not hesitate to call the police.