CCTV footage has been released showing a 68-year-old shopkeeper fighting off Samurai sword-wielding robbers.

The two balaclava-wearing intruders took turns at slashing grandfather Alan Garratt with the three-foot long weapons at the post office in Knipton, Leicestershire.

But they fled empty-handed after the 68-year-old, who had previously undergone surgery for a triple heart bypass, fought back with a sherry bottle.

Mr Garratt needed eight stitches in his left arm after Monday evening's attack.

He said: "I don't think they thought anyone would tackle them. I didn't really feel it when I was cut on the arm and hand until afterwards. There was blood everywhere.

"The only thing I could find to arm myself with was a bottle of sherry."

Officers are investigating the possibility that the raid and the burglary at the Main Street post office last Wednesday could be linked.

Detectives also want to talk to the occupants of a small, silver or grey car which was seen parked outside the post office.

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