THE victim of a knife robbery in Colchester has voiced concerns after the case against three men accused of carrying it out was dropped.

John Dyer, whose wife Jackie worked behind the counter at Open All Hours, in Ipswich Road, was left with minor knife wounds after the attack at the shop, on April 18 this year.

Two men from Colchester and one from Great Bromley were charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.

But the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed all charges against the three have been dropped.

A spokesman said there was not sufficient evidence to bring a successful prosecution.

Mr Dyer, 53, said he was in the shop when he saw a man waving a knife at his wife.

The ex-Army man “saw red” and threw himself at the robber.

In the ensuing scuffle, the assailant ran away, and Mr Dyer was left with a small knife wound on his leg. He said he was disappointed no one would face trial for the attack, particularly the man who wielded the knife.

He added: “He must have been really desperate to get away with £30.

“He frightened the life out of my wife and she’s still suffering. If someone walks up behind her, she jumps.”

Mr Dyer praised the police for keeping the couple informed and for visiting them to say the charges were being dropped.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Proceedings have been discontinued, but should fresh evidence come to light, the investigation will be re-opened.”