Chigwell: Man Pushed In Front Of Lorry

15 October 2013, 11:07 | Updated: 15 October 2013, 11:25

A father-of-two from Essex has died after being pushed under a moving lorry as he chased a gang which tried to rob his cash and carry.

Shammi Atwal, from Chigwell, has been praised by police for confronting the gang members, who were armed with metal bars and a sledgehammer, and defending his wife. 

Scotland Yard said up to 10 men entered the Glen & Co Cash and Carry in Barking, yesterday morning. 

Mr Atwal, believed to be in his 40s, and his wife - who are co-owners of the business - tried to stop them, causing the gang to flee. 

Detective Chief Inspector Neale Baldock, who is leading the Metropolitan Police murder probe, said: "This was a man trying to stop thieves robbing his business. 

"He acted bravely in defence of his wife and managed to chase the robbers from his premises only for him to be pushed in front of a moving lorry. 

"People in the community know who committed this appalling and cowardly crime and I would urge them to contact my officers.'' 

His 37-year-old widow, who police have not identified, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. 

The driver stopped at the scene in River Road and was not arrested. 

The suspects are described as white men. 

It is not known how they got away.