'The loveliest people': Fundraiser for Houghton takeaway owners targeted in alleged knife attack
“I am asking for help making sure they don’t risk losing their business”
The Houghton-Le-Spring community has rallied around the owners of a pizza takeaway shop which has been shuttered after an alleged attempted robbery and knife attack.
It is understood police were called to reports of a “disturbance” at Pizza Castle takeaway, in Newbottle Street, at around 11pm on Saturday, November 7.
The family business has been run by Nasri and Hassan Baghcheband for 16 years, but the couple face an uncertain period now as they attempt to come to terms with the night’s events.
The takeaway’s website confirmed the pizza shop has had to temporarily close with the couple’s son, Sooroosh Baghcheband, confirming his parents are now facing a period unable to run the business as they recover from their ordeal.
As news of the alleged attack spread, the local community have sent messages of support with a GoFundMe campaign set up to help to cover the cost of any period of financial hardship.
The appeal was set-up by Alan Morton, 41, who works at B&M, across the road from the takeaway.
Alan said: “They’re just the loveliest people and they don’t deserve what has happened to them. They are really supportive of the local community and recently agreed to help me provide food for a charity event I’m involved in.
“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.
“I am asking for help making sure they don’t risk losing their business as they are lovely genuine people who deserve to be shown the love of a community they have served for many years and to let them know not everyone is bad.”
Northumbria Police have today confirmed “a woman has entered the premises, before allegedly using a knife to cause slash wounds to a man inside the store”, adding that the alleged assault occurred as part of a suspected attempted robbery, although nothing was subsequently stolen.
Northumbria Police has confirmed nothing was taken during the incident, but the family remains unsure whether their loss of earnings will be fully covered by their insurance company.
A spokesperson for the force 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 a man inside the store following a brief verbal altercation.
“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.
“The next day (Sunday), 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 is due to appear before court in connection with the report.”
Dixon appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Monday, November 9, but did not enter a plea and was remanded into custody.
The case has been referred to Newcastle Crown Court, with a hearing due to take place 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