A security guard at an Asda in London was stabbed in a terrifying assault, sparking a police manhunt for the assailant.
The drama unfolded at Anchor Retail Park in Stepney Green on Tuesday when the 30 year old victim, believed to be part of the store’s security team, suffered stab wounds to his leg.
A Met Police spokesperson confirmed that the hunt for the knife-wielding suspect is on, with efforts to identify the perpetrator ongoing. The injured guard’s condition has been described as “non threatening and non life changing”.
An Asda representative spoke to the East London Advertiser, expressing concern for their colleague: “We are in contact with our colleague and are providing ongoing support to him.”
They added, “Our thoughts are with him, as well as any colleagues or customers that witnessed this incident. Next week marks Respect for Shopworkers Week, and this incident further highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for retail workers.”
(Image: UKNIP)
The spokesperson continued to stress the importance of safety for retail staff: “We continue to advocate for acts of violence or abuse against retail workers to be recognised as a standalone criminal offence. No colleague should come to work in fear of being attacked.”, reports the Mirror.
The Met Police spokesperson also provided details about the response to the attack: “Police were called at 11:43hrs on Tuesday, 5 November to reports of a stabbing inside a store at Anchor Retail Park, Stepney Green. Officers and London Ambulance Service attended.
“At the scene a member of store staff, a man aged in his 30’s, was found with stab wounds to his thigh. He was taken to hospital where his injuries were deemed non-life threatening and non-life changing.
“Urgent enquiries are underway to identify and apprehend the suspect. At this early stage there has been no arrest. Enquiries are ongoing.”
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