night has spoken for the first time about his ordeal.

And Anthony Aguiar, 46, who owns the Harrington Hundreds store in Smith's, said he would protect his property at all costs, even if it meant getting injured again.

Mr. Aguiar was hacked by the two machete-wielding robbers during Monday night's raid after he stepped in to stop them from stealing the store's takings.

Despite receiving several abdominal injuries he bravely chased them off the property and they fled empty handed.

Mr. Aguiar later underwent surgery at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Speaking from his hospital bed yesterday, Mr. Aguiar, who is still clearly traumatised by the attack, fought back tears of anger and frustration as he recounted the events that led to his injury.

And he called on all Bermudians to stand up for their rights and not be intimidated by "hooligans''.

"I don't like heroes and the last thing I want to do is glamourise something that's becoming too common a tragedy,'' he said.

"I don't want to give over any perception of hero status, particularly to young people.

"I don't advise anyone to pick on anyone who's armed and that's the advice we give to our staff. If you are in a robbery situation the most important thing to be considered is your safety.

"Perhaps it wasn't the correct way of dealing with it but I did it out of character and principle. I have always been an advocate of protecting anything that's mine. I just can't stand to see someone being hurt and abused and not do anything about it.

"I wouldn't behave in a different way -- I never have and I never will.

Nobody insults my cashiers.

"At some point in time people in this country have to understand that they have to stand up for what they believe in and sometimes you'll get hurt. If I have to get hurt again then I will.

"If we don't get control of this Island then these hooligans are going to take over and people will be living in fear. We have to stop them and make a stand.'' Mr. Aguiar believes he has the support of many Islanders who think he did the right thing by trying to stop the robbers getting away.

Referring to the numerous bouquets of flowers that had been sent to him by sympathisers he said: "It's their way of saying `I want to stand up and stop it too'.

Mr. Aguiar confirmed that he had had an extensive interview with detectives yesterday morning and had been able to provide them with valuable information.

"I've just spent one and a half hours with the Police but they would prefer that that remains just part of the Police record for the moment,'' he said.

"I'm hoping they'll have a few leads and will be able to catch these fellas.'' A Police spokeswoman last night said that the investigation into the inquiry was now being headed by Chief Inspector Carlton Adams at the major incident room.

And Police are still appealing for witnesses who saw anything suspicious at the time of the raid - about 6.30 p.m. on Monday -- to come forward.

Anyone with any information should call the incident room on 295-0011.