Ex Postie John, 78, defends wife from raiders invading house

[TrueBlueTerrier]

John, 78, defends wife from raiders invading house

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Have-a-go pensioner John Ives told yesterday how he fended off knife-wielding burglars who threatened his wife.

Retired postman John, 78, rushed to defend wife June, 77, after two men wearing black ski masks burst into their home in Haverhill as they watched Emmerdale.

One of the burglars held an eight-inch knife to June’s chest while the other told her to stop screaming or she would “get hurt”.

John immediately ran to her aid and yanked the knife away before the thug threw him across the room.

But John grabbed a heavy oak chair and used it to force the burglars out the front door “like a lion-tamer would control wild beasts”.

Great-grandad John, who served with the Royal Engineers as a young man, said: “I looked up and there were a couple of blokes dressed in black and wearing ski masks at the door.

“One of them was holding a knife to June’s chest so I rushed over and grabbed his arm away but he pulled me back across the room.

“I couldn’t get to my walking stick, so I picked up the chair from the dining room table and went at them.”

He added: “It’s very heavy but that didn’t register at the time. Suddenly they changed their minds and ran off into the night.

“I wasn’t scared at the time but five minutes later we were both terrified.”

John received minor cuts and bruises to his lip, but June escaped unhurt.

The burglars were unable to take valuables, but one stole the couple’s telephone handset to delay them raising the alarm.

Det Sgt Ann Naylor, of Suffolk police, praised John’s bravery.

She said: “This type of incident is extremely rare, and the couple are being supported by police and the local community as they recover from their ordeal.
“While we would not recommend anyone putting themselves at risk by challenging offenders, the couple were very brave in forcing these people out of their house.”

John and June have been married for 56 years and have lived in their terraced house for more than 50 years.

One of the burglars was described as white, aged about 25, slim, between 5ft 6in and 6ft and bald with a thin, pointy face.

Call police on (01284) 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. The incident happened at 7.15pm last Friday.

[not me]

Ex postie 78
well that will be a thing of the past soon
be lucky to make retirement