Devastated son claims parents are 'terrified' to reopen pizza shop after alleged knife attack in Sunderland

A couple targeted in an alleged knife attack at their pizza shop may have been left “terrified” at the prospect of reopening their business.

Pizza Castle takeaway, in Newbottle Street, Houghton, has been run by Nasri and Hassan Baghcheband for 16 years, but the store has been shuttered since the reported incident on Saturday, November 7.

And now the couple’s son, Sooroosh, fears his parents have been so traumatised they may never return to work.

The 34-year-old, rushed from his home in Edinburgh, where he has lived for the last seven years, to Houghton, where he grew up, after hearing the news.

“My mam told me that my dad had been attacked and suffered stab wounds and was in hospital,” he told the Echo.

“I was in total shock and didn’t feel up to driving and so my partner had to drive me down to Houghton.

“I’m devastated for my parents. My dad is 67 and my mam is 64. They’re supposed to be retiring soon and then this happens. My dad is struggling to walk and they are both in shock. They are terrified to reopen the takeaway.”

Mr Baghcheband was taken to hospital following the alleged attack with non-life threatening injuries and later discharged.

But with Pizza Castle closed, Sooroosh fears for his parents’ future, especially how they will manage while his dad recovers from his injuries.

Car sales executive Sooroosh said: “If they’re unable to work, the bills will still keep coming in and by the time they’re able to reopen they could owe thousands of pounds.

“If they don’t work, they don’t earn money and could potentially go bankrupt. They have worked hard all their lives to make a living and then this happens. They may never be in the right state of mind to open up.”

The couple have found a lifeline in the form of Alan Morton, 41, who works at B&M across the road from their takeaway, and who has set up a GoFundMe page to help Nasri and Hassan cover their lost earnings while they recover.

He said: “They’re just the loveliest people and they don’t deserve what has happened to them. Everyone at our shop is devastated for them. I just wanted to do something to help raise some money to support them whilst they are unable to work.”

Sooroosh added: “We’ve had some lovely messages of support, with people saying they will be buying food from the takeaway when it reopens.”

Northumbria Police has confirmed officers were called to the pizza shop after receiving reports a woman had slashed a man with a knife “following a brief verbal altercation”.

A spokesperson for the force 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.

Dixon appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Monday, November 9, but did not enter a plea and was remanded into custody. She is due to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on December 7.

You can donate to the cause at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-pizza-castle-owners-nasri-and-hassan-get-back-on-feet