Croydon police release CCTV of shocking robbery in Thornton Heath

The shop owner Mohammed Ahmed died just weeks after being attacked and police released these CCTV images on the one year anniversary of the robbery.

The footage shows three hooded and balaclava clad men barging their way into the Ahmed Stores in Mersham Road, one armed with a knife.

During the ordeal they subject Mr Ahmed to a violent assault, stealing cash and cigarettes, before running off.

The men can be seen pulling Mr Ahmed to the floor while making their escape from the shop, he then gets up and shouts at them as they flee.

A year ago this week Mr Ahmed was closing his shop Ahmed Stores on Mersham Road, Thornton Heath when the three masked men forced their way in.

The men, believed to be part of a trio of robbers targeting shopkeepers have never been found and so far the only people arrested for the attack have been released without charge.

Mr Ahmed died of a heart attack a month after the robbery after being released from hospital to recuperate at home.

Although the coroner ruled Mr Ahmed’s heart attack was unrelated, his widow believes the robbery made his health deteriorate.

In the footage, one of the robbers is seen to be wearing a distinctive black coat, with a Nike logo on the bottom corner.

Officers from Croydon police will be returning to Mersham Road and surrounding roads on November 18 to hand out appeal leaflets and speak with members of the public, businesses and residents in a bid to get more information about a robbery that occurred last year.

Detective Constable Louis Murphy of Croydon CID said: “There is every chance that the individuals responsible for this violent robbery have told somebody about their involvement.

"I would ask anyone who may know something that they have not yet shared with police to examine their conscience and come forward.”

Anyone with information can contact Croydon’s Robbery Squad on 020 8649 1377 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.