A shopkeeper was shot dead on Wednesday night during a suspected armed robbery at his off licence.

Rajanikanit Pandya, 37, was already dead when police arrived after 9pm at his shop on the corner of Sutton Common Road and Ridge Road.

The father, described by customers as a gentle, family man with a smile for everyone, was alone when the two gunmen entered at around 9.10pm.

It is understood a bullet to the chest killed him almost instantly.

When armed police arrived, he was dead and was taken to St Helier Hospital. A post mortem was underway as the Comet went to press.

Two men have been arrested and are being held in custody at separate police stations in south London.

Police believe the duo may have also been behind another armed robbery on an off licence in Hackbridge Road one hour earlier.

After both incidents, a Vauxhall Astra was seen being driven away erratically from the scene.

Anyone who was in the area at the time is being urged to contact the investigation team headed up by Detective Chief Inspector Gary Richardson of the serious crime group.

Another three men and one woman from the Brighton area have also been arrested in connection with the killing. Their arrests were made yesterday morning (Thursday) during drugs raids by Sussex police on eight properties, where crack cocaine dealers are believed to live.

It is not yet known if drugs are connected with the shooting.

The killing has left the community around the Sutton Common Road shopping parade reeling with shock and sadness.

Sivayoganathan Gabilan, who works in an off licence on the same road, told the Comet: "My uncle was working when it happened. His wife called my uncle saying Somebody shot my husband'. He fell down. He had been shot here," he said, pointing to the right hand side of his chest.

One neighbour, who had known him for 10 years, said: "He was a lovely man. One of the nicest blokes I know and very much a family man."

Another spoke of how she has been left feeling very afraid. "It's not the kind of thing you expect to happen on your doorstep.

"I feel frightened because you never know who's carrying guns," she said.

One 16 year old, who lives in Sutton Common Road, said: "He was so nice, he used to give me food for free when I didn't have any money."

A police source denied rumours Mr Pandya was shot after refusing to sell alcohol to drunk and armed underage youths, saying early findings all pointed towards an armed robbery.

Anyone with information can call DCI Richardson on 020 8247 8275.

November 30, 2001 13:00