Thousands of pounds have been raised for the family of a newsagent who was stabbed to death as he opened his shop.
Father-of-two Ravi Katharkamar, 54, died after being attacked during a robbery in Marsh Food And Wine shop in Pinner, north-west London, at 6am on Sunday.
Police said he was stabbed in the chest by a killer who escaped with the till containing “a few pounds’ worth of coins”.
A fundraising page set up to help cover the costs of Mr Katharkamar’s funeral raised more than £9,000 in just a few hours yesterday. This morning the total had reached £11,440. Caron Kemp, a resident who launched the page, said the Sri Lankan shopkeeper’s killing had “shocked the community”.
She told the Evening Standard: “There was a communal sense of what can we do? Everyone said he was such a friendly, warm and generous guy and they would go in and speak to him.
“I’m pleased that the community has raised such a significant amount and so quickly, though I’m not surprised.”
A passerby found Mr Katharkamar, who has two sons, collapsed inside the shop and rang police. Medics fought to save him by he was pronounced dead 45 minutes later.
Detectives are searching for a black Vauxhall Astra seen being driven away at speed down Cecil Park immediately afterwards, as well as the shop till.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Stancombe described the attack as “vicious and unwarranted” as he appealed for witnesses.
He added: “Ravi’s attacker got away with a few pounds’ worth of coins, but he leaves behind a family utterly devastated and a close-knit community asking who could do such a thing.” No arrests have been made.
Mr Katharkamar’s death marked the 29th killing in London this year.
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting CAD1653/24Mar.
To donate towards the fundraiser, visit tinyurl.com/marshfood
