Mill Hill murder probe: Shopkeeper dies from head injury 'after refusing to sell Rizlas to youths'

A large swathe of Mill Hill Broadway was cordoned off following the assault
Nigel Howard
Tom Powell9 January 2018
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A shopkeeper who was attacked by a group of youths after refusing to sell them cigarette papers has died in hospital.

Police said a murder investigation has been launched after the 49-year-old man succumbed to his injuries on Monday.

The man was allegedly attacked by three teenage boys at Rota Express on The Broadway in Mill Hill, north London, on Saturday night.

Detective Inspector Ian Lott said investigators believed the attack was an "unprovoked spontaneous incident sparked entirely by refusal to let the suspects buy what they wanted".

"A man has lost his life for no reason other than trying to uphold the law," he said.

A 16-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder
PA

Scotland Yard said the man had been working with the owner of the shop when three teenage boys attempted to buy items including cigarette papers. They were asked to show identification but could not prove they were old enough.

A police spokesman said: "The three were unhappy about the decision and became aggressive, threatening to vandalise the shop.

"As such the shopkeeper and victim went outside after them to ensure no damage was done to the shop.

"The victim was struck once by one of the teenagers, causing him to fall to the floor."

The shop's owner suffered minor injuries when he was punched by the teenagers, who fled the scene.

Members of the public stepped in to help the critically-injured man, giving him first aid before the arrival of police and paramedics, who were called at about 11.45pm.

Officers found the man lying on the pavement outside the shop and he was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.

Detectives appealed for help identifying the suspects and for anyone who may have mobile phone footage or images of the incident to contact them.

The suspects were described as three black males, with one wearing a red sweatshirt, black jeans and white trainers, another wearing a dark-grey or black tracksuit and black trainers and the third a dark-coloured hooded sweatshirt and black jeans.

The group were seen running off along The Broadway, in the direction of Mill Hill Broadway Station, after the attack, police said.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held at a north London police station, Scotland Yard said.

Anyone with any information about the identity of the suspects or their current whereabouts should contact 020 8358 0200, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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