A shopkeeper was left battered and bruised after trying to stop a man and woman who allegedly stole items from his west London store.
Detectives investigating the “unprovoked assault” at Riz Repair on North End Road, Fulham, have released CCTV footage of the pair they want to question.
They entered the store at about midday on Wednesday, September 12 and stated they wanted a replacement for a product they had bought.
But when the shopkeeper inspected the item and said he could not help, the man refused to accept his verdict.
His accomplice allegedly stole phone accessories from behind the counter during the altercation, before handing them to the man and abruptly leaving together.
The shopkeeper hurried after them and out the store’s door, demanding the products back. The man retaliated by head-butting him in the eye during a scuffle before both he and the woman fled in the direction of Sedlescombe Road.
The victim required stitches for a deep cut above his left eye.
Detectives are now appealing for witnesses or anyone who recognises the man and woman in the CCTV footage.
The man, who was wearing dark clothes, is described as black, of large build, about 30 to 35 years old, with short black hair.
The woman is also black, of large build, about 30 years old and with dark chest length hair with red streaks. She was wearing a dark coloured top.
Detective Constable Amit Tailor, the investigating officer from Hammersmith and Fulham CID, said: “This was an unprovoked assault on a man who was just going about his day to day business. The attack resulted in him receiving a nasty injury which has scarred his face.
“The assault took place during the day in a busy area of Fulham. I am hoping that someone in the area recalls the incident or recognises the two customers in the CCTV.”
Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to call Hammersmith and Fulham CID on 101.
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
