A 68-year-old Brisbane shop owner, a cancer survivor, has been forced to defend his life and livelihood in a violent and calculated daylight attack by two men posing as delivery drivers.
A Brutal and Calculated Assault
The terrifying incident unfolded at a collectibles shop in the inner-city suburb of Clayfield. Andrew, the shop owner, answered a knock at the door to what he believed were delivery men carrying a parcel. In a shocking turn, the two men immediately attempted to force their way inside, striking Andrew in the head with a hammer.
The brutal struggle lasted around 20 seconds, captured on CCTV. With his foot holding the door open, Andrew managed to push the assailants back, retreat into his shop, and lock the door. "I kept pushing and shouting and screaming at them," Andrew recounted. His primary concern was for his dogs, stating, "I was going to fight them to the bitter end."
The Fight for Survival
Despite being badly bruised and struck in the exact spot where he had recently undergone cancer treatment, Andrew's fight was not over. He raced to a back room and returned with a military machete, which he uses as part of his coin and memorabilia collection.
He then hacked at the pair through the shattered glass of the front door until they fled the scene empty-handed. The timely arrival of staff from neighbouring businesses, who rushed over after hearing the commotion, likely prevented further violence.
An Unusual and Targeted Attack
Queensland Police have described the assailants' delivery driver masquerade as "extremely unusual and very calculated." Investigations suggest the offenders first snuck behind the shop and stole a bin, which they used to conceal their weapons before approaching.
The attack came during what should have been a time of quiet celebration for Andrew, marking almost exactly 50 years since he moved from the United Kingdom to build a life in Australia. Instead, he was left shaken and injured, vowing never to open his door to strangers again.
The two offenders remain on the run, and their identities are unknown. Police are appealing for public information to help track them down. Andrew's message to other small business owners is a simple one: remain vigilant.
