Update: Matalan manager stabbed to death (From Your Local Guardian)

Update: Matalan manager stabbed to death

1:18pm Monday 24th March 2008 in Streatham By Lisa Williams

Herne Hill resident Jamie Simpson was stabbed in the neck last night as he tried to fend off robbers at the Matalan store where he worked, postmortem examination results show.

Mr Simpson, 33, was found dead by colleagues at Matalan in the Kingsland Shopping Centre in Hackney at about 8pm last night.

Police have launched a murder inquiry into the death.

Today's postmortem examination results show Mr Simpson died from stab wounds to the neck.

Mr Simpson had been the assistant manager at the store for the past three years.

It is believed he was attacked by three black males during a suspected robbery while he was cashing up the store's daily takings.

"He was known as a reliable, hard working and a diligent member of staff who would always be available to assist his colleagues and customers."

Detective inspector Jackie Sebire

After assaulting Mr Simpson the three assailants are believed to have made off from the store via the rear car park situated in Dalston Lane.

Police say there were no witnesses to the attack but are examining CCTV footage of the area.

London Ambulance Service attended the scene but Mr Simpson was pronounced dead at 8.30pm.

Detective Inspector Jackie Sebire described Mr Simpson as "hard working".

"Mr Simpson was completing his day's work when he was fatally assaulted during a suspected robbery at his store.

"He was known as a reliable, hard working and a diligent member of staff who would always be available to assist his colleagues and customers."

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the shopping centre around closing time (7pm) or witnessed the assailants making off from the store via the rear car park.

A spokesman said the attack appeared to have been a targeted offence rather than a random crime. Extra police officers have been deployed to the area to reassure the community.

There have been no arrests and enquiries are continuing.

Any witnesses, or anyone with information that may assist police, should call the incident room on 020 8345 1585. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• Did you know Jamie Simpson? Leave your tributes below or call the newsdesk on 020 8330 9538.