Shop owner takes on knife man

Ryan Skivington, 28, owner of adult entertainment shop Heaven An Hell on Coronation Street, was just about to close his business at 5pm on Wednesday when he was accosted by a man armed 
with an eight-inch kitchen knife.

But the criminal got more than he bargained for when brave Ryan wrestled him to the floor and disarmed him.

Ryan said: “I was stood in the corner of our shop five minutes before closing and was just about to grab the mop.

“I turned around and the lad was facing me nose-to-nose and held an eight-inch carving knife to my neck.

“I grabbed the knife and cut my thumb open, and wrestled him to the floor.

“I managed to kick him out of the shop.”

Despite being injured in the struggle, Ryan used a local radio system to inform other businesses in the area what had happened, and gave chase.

He was quickly joined by fellow business owners and police officers, who tracked the knifeman down to a flat on Vance Road.

The man then armed himself with a second knife and refused to comply with police demands, and was subsequently tasered by officers.

Ryan, who runs the Heaven An Hell shop with his mother, Lisa Brownless, said: “I’m just glad it was me and not one of the female members of staff on her own.

“He had a right good go, he was lashing out with the knife as I was wrestling it off him.

“I was shell-shocked, to be honest. I went into fight or flight mode.

“I knew I had to get the knife off him.

“I didn’t really think about fearing for my life.

“Afterwards you look back and think it could have easily gone very differently.”

Ryan was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries. He may require stitches at a later date.

Ryan’s mum Lisa, 44, said: “I had to go through the CCTV footage and it was shocking. I can’t believe how well he handled himself.

“He grappled the guy to the floor and he managed to get the knife off him.

“The man tried on several occasions to stab him with the knife.

“It’s horrific - it’s every parent’s worst nightmare.

“He was really quite amazing and I’m really proud of him, but I told him next time just hand over the money, because it’s not worth it.”

A 25-year-old man from Blackpool was arrested at the scene and has been charged with attempted robbery and possession of a knife in a public place.