Customers rush to bashed shopkeeper's aid

ATTACKED: Kiran Mistry was helped by two customers to chase the men who attacked him in his dairy. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 270314BF5

Quick-thinking customers rushed to Kiran Mistry's aid as he chased two robbers down the street with blood pouring from a head wound.

Mr Mistry told the Rotorua Daily Post he could have been killed in the aggravated robbery at his Sunset Super Seven dairy, Mount View Dr, on Wednesday, the first time he has been assaulted in 19 years of dairy ownership. Rotorua police are investigating the attack, which happened around 2.45pm and are appealing for information.

Mr Mistry said he had been standing at the counter going through his invoices when he was suddenly struck on the head with a wooden bedpost.

"I had no idea what had happened to me, I was lying on the floor."

He said he was hit on the head twice and as a third strike was made he raised his arm in defence. The bedpost was dropped beside him and his attackers ran out of the store.

"I reached for my phone and was screaming," Mr Mistry said.

"They ran out and I chased after them, calling 111. I was bleeding and I couldn't talk but a customer came over and took my phone to tell them what had happened. It was so scary. I think they would have killed me. They hit really hard and aggressively."

His wife Kamini got a phone call telling her to go back to the shop because of the attack.

"The blood was running all down his face ... I was shaking and crying.

"We've had lots of customer support - everyone wants to help and we're very grateful, especially for the man from the Mobil and our neighbour who helped straight away. A man also prayed for us outside the shop."

Police said the offenders were described as teenagers, one wearing a grey and maroon hoodie, a red bandanna on his face, black cap and a black backpack on his back. The other was wearing a maroon hoodie, blue shorts, black bandanna and a black bag across his shoulder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rotorua police on (07) 348 0099, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.