Gunman sobs for forgiveness after welder pins him to shop floor

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Leslie Shott, 34, confronted the hooded youth after he burst into a shop brandishing an airgun.

The yob pointed the pistol at Leslie's face but the welder simply grabbed the barrel, wrestled him to the ground and told him: "How dare you point a gun at me."

As they waited for the police the 19-year-old started sobbing and begged forgiveness from shop owner Mohammed Ullah.

Yesterday Leslie said he was "just acting on instinct" when he tackled the thug at Staverton Convenience Store in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.

The father-of-one - who lives above the shop - said: "I just acted on instinct and would do it again if I had to."

The drama began at 10pm on Sunday March 3 when three youths barged into the shop as Mohammed, 54, locked up.

Leslie - who was relaxing upstairs in his two-bedroomed flat with partner Steph and 18-month-old daughter Caitlin - rushed down to investigate as the shop had been targeted by thieves earlier that day.

Shop owner Mohammed, 54, who has given Leslie a thank-you bottle of Champagne, said: "I am very grateful to Les.

"I don't know what would have happened if my friend had not been here and stepped in like that."

The 19-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and two other men, aged 17 and 23, were arrested nearby. They have all been bailed pending further enquiries.