A BARBER who was stabbed by two robbers has been forced to give up his job of more than 30 years.

Gary Thrall was locking the door at the rear of Mr Scissorhands, in Woodborough Road, Mapperley, on June 9 when two men attacked him and punched him to the ground, before kicking him and stabbing him three times.

Mr Thrall, 49, suffered deep wounds to his left arm and shoulder and needed surgery to repair muscle and nerve damage. He had to have 84 stitches.

He has lost all sensation in his left hand, struggles to lift his left arm and has now decided he can no longer do the job he started as a 16-year-old apprentice.

Mr Thrall 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."

Mr Thrall started cutting hair as an apprentice in Nottingham in 1977 and since then has worked at a number of barbershops across the county.

In 1992 he set up his own business in Woodborough Road, Mapperley. He moved to his current premises four years ago.

He added: "It just feels like everything has been taken away from me – one day I was going to work as usual and had a nice holiday booked. The next day I was in hospital - not being able to feel or use my arm.

"My head is twisted. It feels like I have done something wrong and I am being punished for something."

Since the attack Mr Scissorhands has been closed, however Mr Thrall's customers have posted dozens of cards and letters of support through the shop's door.

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.

"Sadly because of this terrible attack all that has gone and Gary has not only lost his business, but some of his confidence has gone too."

During the robbery the two offenders stole cash and a mobile phone.

One of the robbers was black, aged 20 to 25, around 5ft 11in, of slim build, with black hair and clean-shaven. He was wearing a dark hooded top and white trainers with blue soles.

The second offender was white, aged 20 to 25, around 5ft 11in, of slim build, with brown hair and side-burns, which were shaped to triangular points.

Detective Inspector Tim Jones said: "This robbery was carried out in brutal and terrifying fashion, leaving one man with three very serious stab wounds.

"This kind of extreme violence is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the public, nor by Notts 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."

Anyone with information should call Nottinghamshire Police on 0300 300 9999 and ask for Oxclose Lane CID. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.