Stabbed Newington Green shopkeeper thanks community for its support

Mr Patel has been overwheemed by the messages of support (Image: Archant)

Ashok Patel, 64, suffered knife wounds to his head and hand after his shop, Lena Supermarket, in Ferntower Road, Newington Green, was robbed on December 30.

Mr Patel was hopsitalised (Image: Archant)

He spent two days in hospital, and is still recovering at home, but he and his family have been overwhelmed by the help they have received from customers and residents.

Mr Patel said: “When I saw the knife I was very scared – it was very big. I didn’t mind if they took the money but I didn’t want to get hurt.

“As I lay on the floor bleeding, for a minute I thought I was finished. When I got the energy to get up and go outside, there were lots of local people.

“There was so much blood – on my clothes, on the floor, everywhere, but everyone was really helpful. They called my family and sat me down until the ambulance came.

“Since I got out of hospital there have been so many flowers and phone calls from people asking if I was OK. I knew this was a good community, but now I know it in my heart. I didn’t realise it would be so caring.

“The whole family is just so grateful to everyone, the customers and residents, and to [Islington North MP] Jeremy Corbyn for his support.”

Mr Patel’s son Rajnikant, had left his father at the shop and was at the cash and carry when he heard the news.

He said: “I was terrified and rushed back. Normally it would be my mother opening up, and I dread to think what would have happened if she had been attacked – she is not strong like my dad, who is a very strong man.

“When I got there he was in the ambulance and so many people were there to help. The shop across the road has shut and the owner came over. In total 18 customers called the police.

“A week later they are still asking how he is. We want to say thank you to everyone in the area.

“We thought about closing, but no. Ninety-five per cent of people round here are great – this was the first time in 13 years anything like this has happened. Let’s hope it’s the last.”

n A 25-year-old man from Islington, and a 23-year-old and an 18-year-old from Holloway have been charged with robbery, wounding with intent and threatening a person with a bladed article. All three appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on New Year’s Day and were remanded in custody.