Shopkeeper in machete attack was targeted before

A NEWSAGENT was stabbed in a machete attack during the third attempted robbery at his store in a year.

Tahir Ahmed, 54, struck one of the two raiders with a stool as he fought to protect his shop, but he was stabbed twice in the head and suffered a fractured skull and horrific blade wounds.

The incident happened at 5.20pm on Friday at A&A Stores on the corner of South Trinity Road and Cargil Terrace in Trinity, Edinburgh, when two men entered the shop and demanded money.

One then stabbed the shopkeeper in what police described as ‘a cowardly attack’ before they fled the scene empty-handed.

Mr Ahmed, known to customers as Joe, is recovering in Edinburgh

‘He is lucky to be alive’

Royal Infirmary where he is in a ‘stable’ condition.

His son Zee, 32, said: ‘Dad is lucky to be alive – you can’t put this down to assault and robbery, this is attempted murder.

‘I’m just grateful he’s alive and hopeful he will make a full recovery and I hope they catch whoever did this.’

He added: ‘This is the third time in a year. The first time they brought a gun, then it was knives, and now they’ve brought a machete. My dad has given his whole life to this community – seven days a week for 35 years. At the end of it, is this the reward?’

It is understood Mr Ahmed was attacked when he went to press the security alarm after refusing the men’s demands for cash.

According to his son, a struggle ensued, during which one suspect dropped the blade and both fled.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 101. Detective Sergeant Todd Rutherford said: ‘This was a cowardly attack and the shopkeeper bravely fought off the attackers despite his serious injuries.’