The victim, named locally as Abdul Saeed and believed to be in his late 40s / early 50s, was found bleeding heavily behind the counter in his shop at around 7.30am today (Saturday).
A customer who had come in for his morning newspaper found Mr Saeed, originally from Yemen but thought to have been living in Croxteth, still alive and called for help from a taxi driver waiting outside.
Paramedics worked in vain on the victim at the scene but his injuries - a single gunshot wound to the chest - proved fatal.
Police say a bungled robbery seems unlikely as the motive behind the murder as nothing appears to have been taken from the shop.
Mr Saeed, who has one teenage son with him in England but has most of his family in his native Yemen, had only been subletting Carol’s Newsagents, on Page Moss Parade, for less than a year.
It is believed he had only recently installed CCTV inside the shop after coming under racist attacks from local yobs.
Those tapes are now in the hands of the police, who had sealed off the area around the shopping parade and were searching for clues.
One said: “Abdul was just a nice quiet genuine type of man. He had no enemies in the world. I can’t understand why something like this would happen to him.”
Another said: “He has a large family back in Yemen. I think he has five or six kids. They will be devastated that his life has been taken in this way.
Det Supt Paul Richardson, from the police’s Matrix unit, said: “It is very, very tragic that a man at the peak of his life in terms of his business and in general has had his life taken away.
“I would like to say it is an isolated incident but I would urge anyone with any information to contact the police.”
A post-mortem was taking place today and a formal identification was not expected until Sunday morning at the earliest.
With just over six weeks to go until the fiery fiesta commences, Bond Events Group has secured the very best in local and national traders to take part in the May 12 – 13 weekend celebrations.
From culinary connoisseurs to arts & crafts creators, St Luke’s Church (the Bombed Out Church) is set to welcome local culinary and crafts retailers from across the region.
Director of Bond Events Group Jay Ogugua said: “It has certainly been a busy few weeks for us as we have worked with some of the very best local and independent talent in the region to make Chilli Carnival as varied and vibrant as can be. Many of our traders will be showcasing unique and bespoke items that range from chilli inspired jewellery to exclusive spicy dishes, which have been made especially for the occasion.
“The Chilli Carnival’s line up is already heating up with suppliers including Chilli Bobs Farm, which will be supplying some of the world’s hottest peppers for our chilli eating competition, Encona Sauces who supply authentic hot sauces from around the world and Howl at the Moon Hot Sauce Sound System to keep things spicy well in to the evening with a DJ set. We’re particularly looking forward to welcoming The Chilli Pepper Company, which has claimed a world record for producing the hottest chilli back in 2011.”
Additional confirmed traders include the likes of Daddy Cool, Pieroth Wine, Little Love Bakery, The Great British Cheese Company, A Tavola, Sweet Pea & Little Wolf and Glitter Art Beauty to name a few.
Senior Project and Events Manager of Bond Events Group Laura Cotter added: “The Bombed Out Church is certainly a great location for us to get all of our fantastic suppliers together to celebrate all things chilli, and with the event guaranteed to heat things up, where better to host than a venue without a roof? We do still have space for some more suppliers to come on board and bring something special to our chilli inspired celebrations so whether you are a food or drink supplier or a crafty guru we would love to hear from you!”
Chilli Carnival will take place on Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13 at St Luke’s Church (Bombed Out Church). Tickets are priced at £5 per day or £8 for a weekend pass.
New ShopRite eCoupons are available again today! There are over $86 worth of new eCoupons to clip to your card.
$2/1 JOHNSON’S wash, lotion, hair care, wipes, powder, oil product, any variety or size. Excludes trial & travel sizes and gift sets. exp 12/1/18
Do you know teens who are passionate about Hamilton, treasure, puzzles and escape rooms of all kinds? Then don’t let them miss the Library's great new teen after-hours program coming up on November 18th! "This is another fun, safe opportunity for Livingston teens to get the Library all to themselves for a night," explains Karen deWilde, our teen librarian. This year Karen and her dedicated teen advisory board were inspired by “National Treasure” with Nicolas Cage, about the search for a mysterious chest full of medieval treasure hidden by the Founding Fathers. "As usual, teens will be testing their wits, practicing teamwork, and solving puzzles against the clock for fun and prizes, as well as watching a movie and enjoying snacks."
Wow! Tragically, no adults are allowed. But registration opens on October 16th (and is strictly required).