Shopkeeper repeatedly shot with BB gun in violent robbery

A shop staff was shot with an air gun in a violent armed robbery in New Cross, London.

Detectives investigating the incident, occurred on 24 February, have on Saturday (1 May) released an image of a man they are seeking to identify.

The offender, who entered the shop on New Cross Road at around midnight with a ‘BB gun’, repeatedly shot the shopkeeper in the body and head when his demands for cash were not met. He escaped the scene with no money.

The victim had to undergo surgery to remove two pellets from his body, after he self-presented at a south London hospital, and has been left with permanent scarring.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 40 years of age, with a London accent and wearing a patterned face mask.

Detective Constable Claudine Manning, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in or around the New Cross Road area at around midnight on 24 February – do you recall seeing the man pictured above?

“The victim of this incident suffered a terrifying ordeal. We remain committed to finding the man responsible and holding him accountable for his actions.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 638/24Feb. Alternatively, one can leave information anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.