Leeds shopkeeper's disgust at violence of raid gang

Tandeep Singh Saggu, 33, was set upon by three youths at Cottage Stores, in Otley, who pulled his turban off and repeatedly punched and kicked him before stealing cash, alcohol and cigarettes.

He said: “I tried to defend myself against one of them, but then another one joined in and covered my face with his hands.

“One of them was telling me if I moved they would stab me.

“They were just like animals.”

The incident happened at about 8.50pm on Sunday night at the shop in Newall Carr Road.

One of the robbers, who were thought to be in their late teens, stood watch while the other two jumped over the counter to assault Mr Saggu.

He suffered cuts and bruises to his face and body.

“It’s disgusting. They should be punished,” Mr Saggu said.

All three suspects were described as slim.

One was wearing a light-coloured hooded jacket, dark jogging bottoms and white trainers.

The other two were wearing dark-coloured tops.

Detective Sergeant Amanda Wimbles, of Leeds district CID, said: “This was a frightening experience for the shopkeeper to be attacked and robbed in this way.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and witnessed anything suspicious in the time leading up to the robbery or who saw the suspects running off.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who is aware of bottles of spirits or cigarettes being offered for sale in suspicious circumstances that could be linked to this incident.”

Anyone with information should call Leeds CID at Elland Road police station via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.