Thugs beat man with spanner

Oct 12 2006 By Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

A PETROL station worker was today still recovering in hospital after being battered over the head with a spanner by bungling robbers.

The man suffered a fractured skull in the attack by the thugs, who snatched two bags of rubbish they mistakenly thought contained cash.

They confronted the worker and his colleague as they left the petrol station kiosk at the Asda store, Coventry Road, Small Heath, at 10pm on October 2.

They escaped in a Ford Mondeo, registered N846 ELY, found a short time later in nearby Heather Road. The car was not stolen and police believe it was a so-called pool car that is used by gangs but is not registered.

Forensics specialists have examined the vehicle in the hunt for crucial clues about the three-strong gang of attackers, who were black and wore hooded tops.

Det Con Gary Burnham, from Stechford police, said it was initially feared the victim's injuries could have been life-threatening.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the car in the days beforehand or who may know who has been using it to come forward," he said.

Detectives in Stechford are investigating and can be contacted on 0845 113 5000.

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