A shopkeeper in Bootle was violently assaulted by a group of teenagers who stormed his store to steal vapes. Muhammad Shahzad, 25, was working at the Corner Pound Store on Hawthorne Road on July 2 when the attack occurred around 8pm.
How the attack unfolded
According to CCTV footage seen by the ECHO, two girls first entered the shop and quickly left. After another customer departed, three boys wearing balaclavas and tracksuits rushed in and attempted to steal several vapes displayed on the wall near the till. Mr Shahzad tried to push them away and began calling the police.
One of the boys punched Mr Shahzad in the face, and another joined the assault. The boys managed to grab several vapes, throwing them to the girls waiting at the doorway. Mr Shahzad succeeded in ejecting two of the boys from the shop, but a third remained, hiding vapes in his tracksuit jacket before calmly walking out. Mr Shahzad noticed the stolen items and dragged the boy back inside, where a passerby intervened to break up the fight.
Injuries and impact
Mr Shahzad sustained cuts to his arm and head, as well as a broken finger. Speaking to the ECHO, he said: "The problem is all they want are the vapes. They came in here and tried to fight me just to get to the vapes." He added, "I'm very scared, I don't want to be in here alone because of them." During the four-minute struggle, he was punched repeatedly in the head. He also noted that one of the assailants had a knife in his jacket, saying, "It's scary. I'm here alone and then I have to wait for the police to come, I could be stabbed."
Police response
Merseyside Police arrested a 16-year-old boy from Leyland in connection with the incident. Sefton Area Commander Karl Baldwin stated: "I hope this arrest shows how committed we are in supporting our local retailers, by taking firm action against offenders and preventing these crimes. This was a frightening assault on a shop owner who was just doing his job. For them to be faced with violence while they try to earn a living is simply not acceptable." He added that the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with CCTV footage or information to contact the police.
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police via X @MerPolCC, Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre', or call 101, quoting reference 26000532240. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
