Grandfather who was held up at gunpoint in Forest Gate store is worried attackers will return
Surinder Singh was held up at gunpoint by two men who tried to rob his shop last week. Picture: Ken Mears - Credit: Archant
A grandfather whose Forest Gate shop was robbed at gunpoint last week has spoken out about the attack.
Surinder Singh, 60, was working in his store, East London Wine in Shrewsbury Road, when two young men entered at around 5pm on March 21, brandishing a huge blade and trying to get behind the till.
They left and Mr Singh called the police, who checked the shop’s CCTV and began searching the area believing they’d be still around. They returned just before 6pm, this time with a handgun and baseball bat.
“They came in and showed me the gun,” he said.
“They didn’t take anything or shoot it, but they started beating me and pushed me to the floor.
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“They were hitting my neck and my head and I was bleeding.”
The two men were dressed in grey and black and had masks covering their faces so Mr Singh could not identify them.
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Mr Singh’s friend, Balu Patel, was watching TV behind the counter when they returned.
The 67-year-old mechanic, who had his toolbox with him, grabbed a spanner to defend Mr Singh. He helped fight the men off and they escaped the shop with nothing.
“I was nervous, but more so I was shocked,” Mr Singh said.
The men were taken to hospital, where Mr Singh was checked for neck and brain injuries. He was attended by his brother and son, and left at around 11pm that day.
He is due to return to work today, a week after the incident.
“I am worried they will come back,” he said.
“I’ve had this shop for 32 years and nothing like this has happened to me, although it does happen in this area.
“It’s happening everywhere.”
Although Mr Singh has CCTV in his shop, he has discussed with his brother the possibiltiy of further security, although recognises there is little more they can do.
The grandfather of three lives in Shrewsbury Road with his wife and brother.
Police have made no arrests and enquiries continue. Anyone with any information can contact the Flying Squad East Office on 0208 345 1400. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
