Hero shopkeeper battles to save best customer’s life after fatal attack in grocery store

A man has died from injuries sustained in an attack in a north London grocery store despite a ‘hero’ shopkeeper fighting to save his life. 

Paul Heyfron, 53, was punched to the ground in the Sunshine shop in East Finchley on June 30.

The shop owner intervened to stop the attacker and suffered a minor injury himself.

He then administered CPR to Paul after he lost consciousness following the assault at around 10pm. 

However, Paul died of his injuries on July 12.

A murder investigation has now been launched. 

A staff member at Sunshine told Metro: ‘Two men were outside, then came in the shop.

‘There was an argument and a fight and a man, a good customer of ours, ended up on the ground unconscious.

‘My boss stopped the attack, it was very brave of him. He got slightly hurt as well. He gave CPR to the customer as he was not breathing.

‘He was a hero, really. It’s so sad the man has died.

‘He was in the shop all the time; he was our best customer. A really nice man. He lived locally and was always friendly.’

Officers are trawling through the shop’s CCTV, which the staff member said caught the whole incident.

He added: ‘The police have it all. I hope they catch the attacker.’

Flowers have been left in tribute to Paul and extra police patrols have been dispatched to the area. 

A friend of the victim, who lives near the shop, said: ‘I knew Paul and his family. 

‘He was a nice bloke and we are all devastated. The police haven’t told us much.

‘Everyone knows everyone around here and Paul lived in the flats nearby. He was always out and about. It’s a tragedy.’

Detective Inspector John Moseling said: ‘Our thoughts are with Paul’s family following this tragic news.

‘Our enquiries are continuing at pace, and we will update the community when we can. 

‘I would ask anyone with any information, CCTV or doorbell camera footage which could support the investigation to contact us.

‘We are aware of online and public speculation and I urge people not to share or engage with speculation.’

Anyone with information or footage is asked to call the police on 101. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.