Two friends held over axe-wielding watch shop robbery in George Town

GEORGE TOWN: Two friends have been remanded for seven days to assist investigations into an axe-wielding robbery that left a watch shop owner injured.

Magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi issued the remand order against the suspects, aged 42 and 43, from today to facilitate investigations under Section 394 of the Penal Code.

The duo arrived at the court building at about 8.50am, escorted by police and handcuffed.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 4.30pm yesterday when the suspects arrived at the watch repair shop in Jalan Anson in a car.

One of them entered the premises armed with an axe and allegedly ordered the victim's wife to hand over money.

The 59-year-old victim attempted to intervene, resulting in a struggle that left his right hand injured.

The suspects fled empty-handed in a white Volkswagen driven by the second suspect.

The victim suffered a deep cut to the upper part of his right palm and was reported to be in stable condition after receiving treatment.

Police later arrested both suspects at about 12.20am today at a residential parking area in Straits Quay following information received.