A man from Amersham has launched a petition seeking 'justice' after a local shopkeeper was 'brutally attacked' with an axe by robbers.
Siddharth Maheshwari created a Change.org petition 'demanding justice' for Harpal Singh, the owner of the Londis convenience store in Chesham Bois, on Friday, February 23, the day after Harpal was hit with an axe by robbers in a violent incident that has 'shaken' the Amersham community.
Siddharth described Harpal as "a respected member of the community" and expressed anger that the perpetrators of the "brutal attack" remain "unpunished and freely roaming our streets".
He added: "This horrifying incident has shaken us all to the core and we demand immediate action. The Office for National Statistics reports that violent crimes have been on the rise in recent years in Amersham and surrounding areas, yet it's not just about the numbers - each statistic represents a human life disrupted by violence.
"We call upon local police and other crime prevention agencies to expedite their efforts to find the perpetrators of this heinous act and bring them to justice swiftly.
"We also urge local authorities to increase security measures around small businesses like Londis which serve as vital community hubs."
The petition has already received over 400 signatures, with supporters condemning the "extremely scary" incident which some believe indicates a "worsening law and order situation" in Buckinghamshire as a whole.
Londis store manager Markus Green told the Free Press on Saturday, February 25, that Harpal was "out of immediate danger" and "on the road to recovery".
He also said he had been "overwhelmed and slightly embarrassed" by the show of local solidarity, including a JustGiving page that has raised over £5,000 for Harpal to spend at his discretion.
READ MORE: 'We are overwhelmed': Community raises £5k for shopkeeper after violent robbery
Although Thames Valley Police has not yet made any arrests following the robbery, the force has linked it to a similar incident at Ivy Stores in Amersham on Wednesday, February 21.
During the Ivy Stores incident, a man threatened a member of staff with a knife before stealing items including cash, vapes and tobacco, similar items to those taken from Londis the following day.
On Friday, February 23, police released CCTV images of two men they believe could have 'vital information' about the two robberies amid an ongoing investigation.
Detective Sergeant Campbell Smith, based at Amersham police station, said: “I am releasing CCTV images of two people who I believe have vital information about these incidents.
“If you recognise either of these individuals or think this may be you, please get in touch with us using our online form or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43240085255.”
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website.
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