Shopkeeper killed by teenage gang (just 29 miles from where i live)


The man was attacked near his takeaway in Scholes
A shopkeeper was murdered in a "horrific and frenzied" attack in a shopping precinct by more than 20 armed teenagers, police say.

The 41-year-old man was battered to death with a spade, tree branch and metal pipes by the gang, in the Scholes area of Wigan last weekend.

Police have arrested 17 teenagers on suspicion of assault and violent disorder, including a girl of 14.

The man who was originally from China, ran a takeaway business.

Residents say a gang of teenagers have plagued their community with anti-social behaviour.

It was horrific and sickening
Det Ch Insp Steve Crimmins

Police say the attack on the shopkeeper - who has not yet been named - lasted up to 15 minutes.

He suffered massive head injuries and died in Hope Hospital, Salford, on Thursday.

His girlfriend is believed to have seen the attack as he was set upon by more than 20 youngsters.

Det Ch Insp Steve Crimmins, leading the investigation, said: "It is quite frightening really, it was a frenzied attack. It was horrific and sickening."

"There have been ongoing problems in the area. There was a heightened police presence prior to the incident.

"There's been general nuisance that you associate with large groups of youths, in essence rowdiness and criminal damage.

"For some reason it has escalated out of all proportion and a man has lost his life."



[Link: news.bbc.co.uk]

Why would a gang of kids do this?
When I walk through my town at say 9pm-12PM it is a different town to the town during the day.
At night my town is filled with gangs of angry, drunk and high youths.

They have no aspirations; have limited educational achievement and no manners.
The parents of these youths don’t care and the police are powerless.
This is the place I keep my most treasured things- My family.
It is so hard to teach my children not to follow down the path of there peers.
It is hard for my children at school and college not to be intimidated by the masses of “Chav” and “Scally” youths.

I feel my town and many others in the UK are like the book by William Golding “Lord of the flies” and the mob rules. Stupid mob hysteria is killing innocent people.

What do fellow UK members think? What should we do?

Be a good parent.

Be a good neighbor.

Do not live in fear.

People get to caught up in the news of horrific things brought on by strangers in the night...

It's sad. It is, but most "victims" KNOW their attacker.

The gangs bring harm and sorrow to their own family and acquaintances at a FAR higher rate than they do to complete strangers.

Walk the streets at night.

Their are nice people just going to work or coming home... Whatever... Your honest presence is the best defense against crime in your community.

Shut the windows! Lock the door until daybreak! Not me.

Take a stroll and enjoy the quiet.

Murder is seldom random.

Live in fear and you may as well live in isolation.

A couple of days ago a woman in the Chicago burbs (Hoffman Estates) stabbed her boys 3 and 9 over 500 times.

She taught Sunday school where her husband was the minister.

I feel safe with most of the people on the street because I treat them like individuals.

I don't invite them into my life, but I have no problem treating them with respect.

Throw snowball at a car. Not a rock.

It's an easy lesson.

Don't fear those who have lost respect.

Teach them the meaning of the word.

Granted Chicago is a much friendlier town than most I've visited.

ALWAYS say hello and thank you.

The the grocer, the bum on the corner, or EVEN the gang banger.

Smile. Be a positive beacon of light. Don't flaunt it.

It's a home in a community, not a cell in a prison.

Take it back by living in it.

You already know the people most likely to harm or kill you, and it's NOT a stranger with funky clothes and bad friends.

Be a good parent.

Be a good neighbor.

Do not live in fear.