On Tuesday evening, a violent incident unfolded at Norman's News shop in Northampton, where a group of around 15 teenagers attacked a shop worker in a brazen attempt to steal vapes and fizzy drinks. Disturbing CCTV footage captured the assault, in which the employee was surrounded and beaten by the youths, who were wearing balaclavas.
According to eyewitness accounts, the shocking altercation began when two individuals entered the store and attempted to abscond with items. When the worker intervened to reclaim the stolen stock, the situation escalated as the larger group joined in, leading to a brutal confrontation that occurred in front of a customer.
Vishal Patel, the 46-year-old shop owner, described the harrowing scene, stating, "The attack happened when two boys came in and tried to steal stock. My worker took the stock back and then around 15 of them came behind him and started fighting him inside the store." It has been reported that some members of the gang jumped over the counter to snatch about 20 vapes before fleeing the scene. Mr Patel noted that the damage caused by this latest raid is estimated at more than £2,000, in addition to the stolen goods.
The entire incident is stated to have lasted approximately 16 minutes and involved multiple aggressive attempts to engage the employee. In one clip, footage reveals a young man trying to convince the worker of his age to procure a vape before nonchalantly taking a soft drink from the fridge. The situation escalated when, after being chased by the worker for stealing a fizzy drink, more teens stormed into the shop, launching a violent attack that resulted in the employee being dragged over the counter.
Despite the severity of the attack, the worker managed to avoid serious injuries but is now recuperating at home with visible signs of his ordeal, including redness around his eyes from being punched. Mr Patel expressed his concern for his staff, revealing that three of his employees are now hesitant to work the evening shift. He stated, "I just don't feel safe here. I'm feeling unsafe and my three staff don't feel safe. I've been doing the 7am until 9pm shift as I don't have any staff."
The shop's owner has called for increased police presence in the area to help alleviate safety concerns, particularly following a similar incident that took place just a week prior. He reported having notified the police about the attacks, yet stated a lack of immediate police response when incidents occur. "The police told me if they come back again just ring us, but 30 turned up yesterday but the police didn't turn up," he said, alluding to a feeling of neglect concerning safety in the neighbourhood.
As of now, Mr Patel continues to seek assurance for the security of his shop and employees as the community grapples with these violent episodes. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding supermarket safety and the impacts of youth crime in the area.
Source: Noah Wire Services