Elderly Shopkeeper Arrested on Suspicion of Attempted Murder After Botched Robbery

Strategic Insights -

A 72-year-old shopkeeper, Cecil Coley, also known as "Papa" in the community, has been taken into police custody on suspicion of attempted murder following a dramatic incident in which an armed raider was fatally stabbed and another left injured. The robbery attempt occurred at a flower shop in Old Trafford, where Coley was playing dominoes with a friend when the masked raiders broke in. A struggle ensued, resulting in the death of one raider and injuries to a second. The police have launched an investigation into the incident, with early indications suggesting that it was a robbery that went wrong.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cecil Coley, a 72-year-old Jamaican shopkeeper, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a botched robbery at his flower shop in Old Trafford.
  • Two masked men armed with guns broke into the shop, where Coley was playing dominoes with a friend, and a struggle ensued.
  • One of the raiders, a 30-year-old man, was fatally stabbed in the chest and died at Trafford General Hospital despite attempts to resuscitate him.
  • A second raider, who was wearing a mask, escaped but was later treated for a stab wound at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
  • A 60-year-old man, believed to be Coley's friend, was also taken to Trafford General Hospital with injuries sustained during the struggle.
  • A gun was recovered at the scene, but no shots were fired, and the weapon is thought to have belonged to one of the raiders.
  • The police have launched an investigation into the incident, with early indications suggesting that it was a robbery that went wrong.
  • Coley, a well-known and respected member of the community, had run the shop as a fancy goods store for 40 years before retiring six weeks ago and handing it over to his children.
  • Local residents have praised Coley as a quiet and good man who never caused any trouble.

Statistics:

  • 1 raider was fatally stabbed in the chest and died at Trafford General Hospital.
  • 2 individuals were taken to hospital with injuries sustained during the struggle.
  • 1 gun was recovered at the scene.
  • 1 suspect, Cecil Coley, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
  • The incident occurred at approximately 9:40 PM.
  • The police have urged anyone who may have seen something to contact them on 0161 856 7672 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sources:

  • An article published by the Manchester Evening News (M.E.N.) on February 8, 2023.
  • A police source cited in the M.E.N. article.
  • Chief Supt Mark Roberts, quoted in the M.E.N. article.