UK shopkeeper murdered over sweets, cigarettes

London: An ‘open all hours' shopkeeper was murdered by a gang of teenagers for the sake of a few sweets and cigarettes.

Gurmail Singh, 63, was found in a pool of blood by customers after being bludgeoned with a sledgehammer. Several people tried to trap the raiders inside the corner store moments after the attack, but they escaped following a struggle.

A married father-of-two and grandfather, Singh took pride in working seven days a week and always providing service with a smile.

Police are investigating possible links with another incident 48 hours earlier when Singh was knocked to the floor as two youths tried to steal from his shop.

On Sunday, as police launched a hunt for the four suspects, locals paid tribute to the community stalwart.

The robbery at Cowcliffe Convenience Store in Huddersfield happened at around 8.30pm on Saturday. Police were called after Singh was seen collapsed on the floor and bleeding.

He had apparently been hit over the head with a sledgehammer. Bottles had also been smashed inside the shop. The robbers were described as being in their late teens, wearing dark hooded tops and tracksuit bottoms. They also took a small amount of cash.

Suspects evade witnesses

Around six people who were nearby tried to stop the robbers escaping. At least two of the youths were still inside when the witnesses tried to trap them by holding the front door shut.

The youths tried to smash their way out before fleeing via a back storeroom.

An ambulance was called but Singh died later in hospital. Police said no one else was injured.

One of the men who tried to help was a regular at the nearby Shepherds Arms pub.

Landlady Sharon Pickup said: "He was on his way to the pub when he saw what was going on and saw Mr Singh on the floor, bleeding. There were two lads still inside the shop. He held the door to keep them trapped inside. Another two got out the back and at some point the two inside also managed to get out."