Police hunt teen gang after man dies in shop robbery

Gurmail Singh, 63, was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary following the raid at the Cowcliffe Convenience Store in Cowcliffe, Huddersfield.

West Yorkshire Police said he suffered a head injury during the raid on Saturday evening and died in the early hours of yesterday.

Cash, cigarettes and confectionery were stolen in the robbery which happened at 8:30pm, a police spokesman said.

The robbers are described as four youths aged in their late teens wearing dark hooded tops and tracksuit bottoms. A police spokesman said witnesses tried to block the door to stop the offenders leaving, but after a struggle they made their escape.

Detective Superintendent David Pervin, senior investigating officer, said: "Mr Singh was a well-known and popular local businessman, who had been in this area many years. I appeal for anyone with information to contact us as a matter of urgency."

Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place today, a spokesman said.

A police spokesperson said one witness reported seeing one of the robbers in possession of a hammer during the incident, but it is not known if that was used to assault anyone.

Neighbour Ian Davison said Mr Singh had recently experienced problems with young people at his shop.

"He was a really popular, lovely bloke," he said. "You couldn't wish to meet a nicer bloke than Mr Singh.

"Even in the snow he was pulling his sledge up here with his grandson, making sure the papers got delivered."