This is the face of shopkeeper Rajnikant Pandya who was brutally gunned down in his off-licence as his two daughters went about their usual evening activities in their home above the shop.

The 37 year old father was shot twice in the stomach and the heart before dying almost instantaneously during what police believe was an attempted armed raid. The killer fled empty-handed, leaving possible takings of just £140 still in the till.

Police are now appealing for the community to help them hunt down the masked man dressed in dark clothing who entered Anita's Off Licence on the corner of Sutton Common Road and Ridge Road on Wednesday, November 28, at around 9.10pm.

Promising leads have already emerged following an appeal at the scene of the crime one week after the shooting. But Detective Chief Inspector Gary Richardson, who is leading the manhunt, has made a direct appeal for any Guardian readers who visited the shop that night to get in touch.

"This was a brutal and callous murder by an extremely dangerous individual," he said. "The level of violence used during this incident indicates that the suspect has little regard for human life.

"This murder has robbed a woman of her husband and two children of a father."

Mr Pandya, who lived above the business, had two daughters, aged nine and 16. Neighbours and traders alike agreed he was a wellliked man. One Sutton Common Road resident described him as "one of the nicest blokes I know, and very much a family man".

DCI Richardson added: "Some boys were seen running across the road shortly after the shooting. We do not know if they are connected but are asking them to come forward so we can eliminate them from inquiries.

"Anyone in the shop in the hour leading up to the murder should come forward and we are going to extend our house to house inquiries."

So far, six arrests have been made. Four, including a 17-year-old from Worcester Park and a 19-year-old from Sutton, have been eliminated from inquiries.

Among the two remaining, a 37 year old from the Brighton area has been bailed and another man of 31 has been charged with a different crime.

Call DCI Richardson on 020 8247 8275.

December 12, 2001 16:00