Izzy's barber speaks of 'stabbing' horror in Haydock burglar attack

At around 8.40pm on Thursday, November 30, it was reported that a group of five people attempted to burgle a barber shop on Clipsey Lane in Haydock.

Police say that after the group was disturbed at the rear of the property, a man in his 40s was seriously assaulted and left with stab wounds to his head and hands.

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Police were alerted to the scene on Thursday, November 30 (Image: St Helens Star)
The group, believed to be wearing all black and with their faces covered, are said to have fled the scene towards Central Drive, while police have not confirmed that any arrests have been made.

The victim, who was taken to hospital for his injuries, has now identified himself as the owner of Izzy's Turkish Barbers, Ismail Yigit.

Ismail, who has run the Clipsey Lane barber shop for 23 years, said: "I don't know how it all started, I don't have an explanation, but they have messed up my life. 

"Part of my middle finger is gone and my thumb looks like a chicken wing after I tried to grab the knife from them.

"I felt like I had an angel fighting with me because they were not afraid to use the knife."

Ismail posted pictures of his injuries online (Image: Ismail Yigit)
Dad-of-four Ismail, who served as a sergeant in the Turkish Army before he moved to the UK, alleged that the burglary was the fifth time that the barber shop had been broken into since he launched the business in Haydock.

Hearing a noise from the rear of the property, Ismail said that he shouted at the group thinking that they would flee, but this quickly descended into a situation where he had to defend himself from a group of five.

Ismail says that four puncture wounds were landed, and he has suffered life-changing injuries to his fingers and thumb, and received 12 stitches for his head injuries.

Ismail has suffered serious injuries (Image: Ismail Yigit)
Ismail, 48, added: "I am just a businessman so I really don't know why these people have come for me and my business.

"I have done a lot in the community, such as giving free haircuts, Christmas appeals, and sponsoring football and rugby teams.

"All of Haydock and my customers have come together for me, so I do feel loved, but I am having to sleep with things behind my door now."

Ismail has cut the hair of footballers like Sergio Aguero in the past (Image: Ismail Yigit)
With an investigation launched into the incident, Detective Inspector Jimmy Rotheram said: “Nobody has the right to force entry into someone’s property, and it is despicable to think that this victim to be assaulted and injured while trying to stop the offenders.

“Burglary - whether it is of a residential home or a business - is an invasive crime that victims can really struggle to come to terms with. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home, and business owners have every right to work hard and earn a living without criminals causing physical and emotional damage in this way.

“If you saw anything suspicious in the area of Clipsley Lane on Friday evening, please get in touch so that we can bring those responsible to justice.”

The incident took place at the rear of Izzy's Turkish Barbers on Clipsey Lane, Haydock (Image: St Helens Star)