HEROIC shoppers waded in to overpower a man who attacked a shopkeeper, then held him until police arrived.

Arif Badat, 46, was working in Top Up Convenience Stores, Corporation Road, on Thursday afternoon, when the attack happened.

He said a man came in asking for directions to Maindee Police Station and he and a customer gave directions and drew him a map, but the man did not seem to understand. Mr Badat, who has run the shop with his brother, Salim, for 12 years, said the shop was getting busy and the man was showing no signs of leaving, so he asked him to leave. The man then became aggressive and assaulted Mr Badat.

Four customers tackled the attacker and helped Mr Badat restrain him, while police were called. Mr Badat was treated at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, on Thursday night, and was resting at home on Friday.

Mr Badat, who lives with his wife, Azra, and two sons in Corporation Road, said: "Around four customers helped me. One of them was so brave and helped me all the way through.

"I've been trying to take it easy, as I was in hospital with chest pains last week, so I only went into the shop for two or three hours. As a shopkeeper, I don't want any hassle like this. We own the post office as well, which makes us more concerned. It's quite a busy shop, we always try and keep ourselves alert."

A new CCTV system was installed in the shop last week, as the brothers were concerned about the number of incidents in the area.

Mr Badat said: "There are so many things happening in this area. We set up a new camera system last week, because we don't want any trouble. We are planning to link up with other shopkeepers in the area, so we can keep alert of things going on."

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said a man was arrested and later charged.

Were you one of the customers who came to Mr Badat's aid? Contact the newsdesk on 01633 777226,