Press Association
Saturday 11th February 2012
A man and three teenagers are appearing in court charged with the murder of a shopkeeper who was bludgeoned to death during a robbery at his store.
Muawaz Khalid, 20, and three 17-year-old boys will appear before magistrates accused of the murder and robbery of Gurmail Singh, who died after the raid on the shop in the Cowcliffe area of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on February 20.
Mr Singh, 63, received serious head injuries when he was struck at least nine times with a weapon, believed to be a hammer, and died in hospital early the following morning.
West Yorkshire Police said the four people were charged with the offences on Wednesday night. They will appear at Huddersfield Magistrates' Court.
A force spokesman said: "Last night, three 17-year-old males and a 20-year-old man, all from the Huddersfield area, were charged with murder and robbery.
"Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Dave Pervin thanked the whole community in Huddersfield for the support and assistance given in the investigation."
Mr Singh was a well-respected shopkeeper who many have described as a pillar of the community.
Customers, friends and community leaders have spoken of Mr Singh's hard work and his kindness towards people living in the area. He opened his store from 6am to 9pm, seven days a week - often delivering papers before the doors opened.
Police said Mr Singh came to the UK in 1963 and he leaves a wife, two adult sons and a daughter. He celebrated his 63rd birthday the day before he died.
Earlier this week, a 17-year-old A-level student was remanded in custody at Huddersfield Magistrates' Court charged with robbing Mr Singh of cigarettes at his store two days before the alleged murder.
