Stabbed Nottingham barber forced to give up job
A Nottingham barber who was stabbed during a "terrifying" robbery has been forced to stop cutting hair after more than 30 years.
Gary Thrall, 49, was punched, kicked and knifed three times as he locked up at Mr Scissors in Woodborough Road, Mapperley, in June.
He now struggles to use his left arm and has decided he can no longer do the job he started as an apprentice.
Police have launched a renewed appeal for information about the attack.
Mr Thrall suffered deep wounds to his arm and shoulder and needed surgery, including 84 stitches, to repair muscle and nerve damage.
He said: "Since the attack I have lost all the feeling in my left hand. Although I can move my fingers, my whole hand feels numb. I can't tell if the water is running hot or cold.
"And because of the damage caused to my shoulder I also struggle to lift my arm.
"The doctors have told me my arm and hand could improve, however I may have to have further surgery and, even then, there are no guarantees."
Since Mr Scissors has been closed, former customers have left dozens of cards and letters of support at the shop.
Mr Thrall's wife Deanna said: "Gary's barbers was part of the community, it was like a little social institution.
"Customers wouldn't only pop by for a haircut, they would come in for a cup of tea and a chat."
Letters of support
The robbers stole cash and a mobile phone during the attack on the afternoon of 9 June.
Both are aged between 20 to 25 and of slim build.
One is described as black and was wearing a dark hooded top and white trainers with blue soles. The second robber is white with brown hair and sideburns shaped to triangular points.
Det Insp Tim Jones, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This kind of extreme violence is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the public, nor by Nottinghamshire Police.
"Clearly we need to identify these robbers and I would ask anyone who either knows the offenders or their whereabouts to contact the police immediately."