Father-of-three shot dead as he closes family shop in Manchester

Shop owner shot twice after he grappled with one of the robbers

A father-of-three has been shot dead outside a store in Manchester (Getty Images)

A father-of-three has been shot dead after grappling with two robbers who attacked as he closed up his family shop.

Pragaret Singh, 35, was shot in the chest and abdomen as he left Manchester Food Traders on Wood Street, Openshaw, on Friday evening, Greater Manchester Police said. He later died in hospital.

Mr Singh, known to family and friends as Charlie, is believed to have grappled with at least one of the men before the lethal shots were fired.

The robbers are believed to have made off with a large amount of money.

Police were called at 6.20pm to reports of a man with a gun and discovered the injured Mr Singh.

Detective Superintendent Jon Chadwick said: "Although this investigation remains in its infancy, at this stage we believe Charlie's death was the result of simply trying to protect his business from armed robbers, during which he was shot at least twice."

He said of Mr Singh's family: "Our thoughts are with them and we will be providing them with as much support as they need at this very difficult and upsetting time."

A large police presence is expected in the area over the next few days. Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Additional reporting by PA.