South Norwood Shopkeeper Stabbed Over Card Machine Row
A much-loved shopkeeper in South Norwood was rushed to hospital after being stabbed in the chest during a furious bust-up sparked by a faulty card machine.
Violent Attack Over Declined Card
The Met Police and London Ambulance Service raced to a convenience store on Portland Road just after 8pm on Wednesday. Officers found the victim, a man in his 40s, with a serious stab wound to his chest.
A witness revealed the drama kicked off when a customer’s bank card was declined. Tempers flared, and before anyone could stop it, the customer pulled out a knife and stabbed the shopkeeper, then fled on foot.
Manhunt Underway
Detectives are now scouring the area and reviewing CCTV footage captured inside the shop to track down the attacker. The suspect remains on the loose as police urge anyone with information to come forward.
Shopkeeper Fighting for Life
Emergency teams treated the victim at the scene before rushing him to a major trauma centre. He is currently in critical but stable condition.
“We sent several resources including an ambulance crew, a response car medic, and a trauma team. The man was prioritised and taken to hospital,” a London Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed.
Community in Shock
Regular customers and locals gathered outside the cordoned-off store, stunned by the violent attack.
“He’s one of the kindest men in the community. Always smiling. I can’t believe someone would do this just because a card didn’t work,” said one regular, who wished to remain anonymous.
London Ambulance Service added: “We received the stabbing call at 7.30pm and dispatched multiple teams including London’s Air Ambulance trauma team. The injured man was treated at the scene and taken to hospital urgently.”
This is a developing story. We’ll bring you updates as police investigations continue.
