Faces of teenagers hunted over shopkeeper’s murder
DETECTIVES investigating the murder of shopkeeper Vijay Patel yesterday issued CCTV pictures of two youths they want to trace.
A boy, 16, has already appeared in court charged with killing Mr Patel, 49, who was attacked at a north London convenience store.
Detective Inspector Ian Lott said: “This was an unprovoked and wholly unnecessary attack on a man who was just trying to do his job.
“It is vitally important that these two males are traced as they undoubtedly have information that could assist our investigation.
“While one male has been charged with Vijay’s murder, I still need the public’s help to ensure all those involved are identified and held to account for their actions.”
Aggressive
Mr Patel died in hospital a day after the attack in The Broadway, Mill Hill.
Three teenage boys went into the shop on January 6 to buy cigarette papers.
When they were refused service because they had no ID they became aggressive, threatening to smash up the shop.
Mr Patel and a colleague went outside after them to ensure the shop was not damaged and were attacked. The colleague was punched and suffered minor injuries.
Police said they are now looking for two black male teenagers.
One was wearing a red sweatshirt, black jeans and white trainers and the other was in a dark coloured hooded sweatshirt or jacket with dark jeans and a Nike rucksack.