IT is touching to hear of an old friend rushing to the rescue of shopkeeper Kathy McGuire when a would-be robber threatened her while alone in her newsagent's store.

Mrs McGuire was frightened but determined not to let the intruder intimidate her into opening her safe and making off with her money.

Some women in her position might have gone along with his demands but Mrs McGuire kept a cool head and sent a clear message to would-be thieves that she will not be robbed. She managed to steer him into another part of the building so she could be seen and heard and reach her panic alarm.

It was then that butcher Phil McDonough leapt into action, chased the intruder away and retrieved Mrs McGuire's handbag. He had always been grateful to her because she gave him his first job.

Both these people showed great bravery in tackling the intruder and sending him on his way. While the outcome in Havelock Street was good, it is important to weigh up the risk of tackling what could have been a more dangerous situation with a violent offender.

In the meantime we ask readers to be vigilant and phone the police if they know the man described in our story.