A convenience store retailer in Boootle says he is now afraid to work alone after being punched and pushed by a group of youths who allegedly stormed his store to steal vape products on Thursday (July 2).
Merseyside Police has arrested a 16-year-old boy following the violent robbery, which officers described as "simply not acceptable."
The incident happpened at Corner Pound Store on Hawthorne Road in Bootle owned and run by Muhammad Shahzad. He was alone at the store at the time of the incident.
CCTV footage reported by local media shows a group of teenagers, some wearing balaclavas, entering the store and targeting vape products displayed behind the counter. Shahzad attempted to stop the theft before being assaulted.
In the four minute fight, Shahzad was punched repeatedly in the head. He reportedly suffered cuts to his head and arm, along with a broken finger during the attack.
Speaking after the incident, Shahzad said the offenders appeared to have entered the shop specifically to steal vape products.
"The problem is all they want are the vapes. They came in here and tried to fight me just to get to the vapes," the local media quoted him as saying.
He added that the incident has left him fearful of working alone.
Merseyside Police confirmed the incident saying officers were called to a convenience store on Hawthorne Road at around 8.30pm on Thursday (2 July) following reports that a group of youths had entered the premises, assaulted the shop owner and stolen several vape products.
The suspects punched and pushed the retailer before fleeing the scene and heading to another nearby convenience store.
Following an area search, officers arrested a 16-year-old boy from Leyland. He was taken to a Merseyside police station, where he remains in custody while enquiries continue.
Sefton Area Commander Karl Baldwin condemned the attack and reiterated the force's commitment to tackling retail crime.
"I hope this arrest shows how committed we are in supporting our local retailers, by taking firm action against offenders and preventing these crimes.
"This was a frightening assault on a shop owner who was just doing his job. For them to be faced with violence while they try to earn a living is simply not acceptable.
"Although we have made an arrest, our investigation is ongoing in Bootle. If you saw what happened on Hawthorne Road or work in the area and have any CCTV footage of the incident, please contact us."
The incident adds to growing concerns across the convenience sector over thieves targeting high-value vape products, with retailers increasingly reporting violence and intimidation alongside theft. Industry bodies have repeatedly called for tougher action to protect shopworkers as organised retail crime continues to escalate across the UK.