Father-of-three, 35, shot dead trying to protect his shop from two armed raiders who attacked him as he closed up for the night

 

A father of three young children was shot dead after confronting two armed raiders who attacked him as he closed his shop for the night, police said.

Pragaret Singh was shot in the chest and abdomen as he left Manchester Food Traders in Openshaw, Manchester, police said.

The 35-year-old is believed to have grappled with at least one of the men as he tried to protect his shop. Mr Singh, known to family and friends as Charlie, died later in hospital.

Scroll down for video 

 

Pragaret Singh was shot as he left Manchester Food Traders. Above, police outside the Manchester shop

 

The 35-year-old is believed to have grappled with at least one of the men as he tried to protect his shop

The crime scene where Pragaret Singh was murdered

 

Armed officers arrived at the shop in east Manchester at 6.20pm yesterday and found Mr Singh, from Swinton, Greater Manchester, lying nearby after being shot at least twice.

Police said Mr Singh was carrying 'thousands of pounds' of takings. The robbers are believed to have made off with a 'large amount of money'. 

Police described one of his assailants as black, in his 20s or 30s, tall and slim. He was clean shaven with 'spiky knotted hair' and wearing a jacket with the sleeves rolled up. 

Mr Singh's brother Toggy told the Manchester Evening News that his brother was a hard-working family man with a wife, Sukhwinder, and children aged two, five and seven.

He was robbed of his life. He was happy, jolly and full of life - he never said anything bad about anyone. He was the kind of person who'd go out of his way to help anyone

Mr Singh's brother, Toggy 

He told the paper: 'He was robbed of his life. He was happy, jolly and full of life - he never said anything bad about anyone. 

'He was the kind of person who'd go out of his way to help anyone in need.'

Detective Superintendent Jon Chadwick said: 'At this stage of our inquiry we believe this is the tragic death of an innocent businessman and father-of-three who was simply trying to protect his livelihood from criminals.

'As a result, Charlie's entire family have suffered an unimaginable loss.

'Their lives have been shattered and specially-trained officers will be providing as much support as the family need over the coming days and weeks.'

He added that Mr Singh's family had been left 'absolutely and utterly distraught' at his murder. 

 

Armed officers arrived at the shop yesterday evening and found Mr Singh, known as Charlie, lying nearby

 

Police said there would be a visible police presence in the Manchester area for the coming days and weeks

Assistant Chief Constable Zoe Sheard said there would be a visible police presence in the area for the coming days and weeks.

She added: 'I would also urge people to ensure their security measures are in place, such as making sure any CCTV is working, looking out for anyone suspicious hanging around the area and being aware of your surroundings when locking up.' 

Police are also searching for information about a small silver car, possibly a Vauxhall, which may have been used and which drove off towards Ashton Old Road after the shooting.