The Houghton-le-Spring community is rallying around the owners of Pizza Castle takeaway after an alleged attempted robbery and stabbing on Saturday night. Nasri Al Nasser and Hassan Baghcheband were in their shop on Newbottle Street, preparing to close for the evening, when a woman reportedly entered the premises and allegedly used a knife to cause slash wounds to a man inside. Hassan, who sustained wounds to his head and upper body, spent a night in hospital.
Family speaks out after incident
The couple's son, Sooroosh, told ChronicleLive that while shocking, fortunately his father's injuries had not been "critical." He said: "They have been running the shop since 2010 - there has never been anything like this before. [Since what happened] so many people have been in touch to check in on us. I don't know how and when they will be able to go back to normal."
He added: "It's the loss of income, then there's all of the stock that will go bad, then of course things such as tax and VAT and rent for them."
Fundraising effort launched
Alan Morton, who works over the road from Pizza Castle in B&M, launched a fundraising page that has already raised more than £600. He said: "I work in Houghton myself and have noticed more and more crime. Nasri and Hassan are running their own business, they're in their 60s and I've known them about 15 years and they have always been so lovely."
Alan said the family had even offered to cater for a charity event he hosts each year in aid of cardiac awareness. He added: "They are great people to do something like that for me and I was in touch. I just thought that it would be good if we could help to tide them over and it's to show them how cared for they are."
Police confirm charges
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Just before 11pm on Saturday (November 7), we received a report of disturbance at a commercial premises on Newbottle Street in Houghton-le-Spring in Sunderland. It was reported that a woman has entered the premises, before allegedly using a knife to cause slash wounds to a man inside the store following a brief verbal altercation."
The spokesperson added: "It is believed the assault occurred as part of an attempted robbery – although nothing was subsequently stolen. Upon police arrival, a 62-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the incident and was immediately taken into police custody."
The victim – a man in his 60s – sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the altercation and was taken to hospital for treatment. He has since been discharged.
Carole Lesley Dixon, 62, of Ironside Street, Houghton, was charged with assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, attempted robbery, two counts of possession of a bladed article, and common assault. She appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Monday morning, was remanded in custody, and will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on December 7.
