A SHOP owner was slashed across the chest with a knife as he delivered alcohol to a house.

Asad Qamar suffered ‘serious’ injuries after pulling up outside a house in Worcester Road, Blackburn, shortly after 10pm, police said.

Mr Qamar, who owns Mars Mini Market in Wensley Fold, was stabbed through the window after being lured to the scene.

After the ‘brutal attack’ a bleeding Mr Qamar, managed to drive himself more than two and a half miles back to his store in Johnston Street in search of help, police said.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The 35-year-old had been delivering four packs of beer and a bottle of vodka to four white men in their 20s.

After he arrived one of the group reached in through the driver’s window and slashed him across the chest, causing a large wound, police said.

Community leaders said they were ‘horrified’ to hear about Tuesday’s attack.

Staff at Mr Qamar’s store said they knew something was wrong when their boss pulled up outside and looked ‘unresponsive’.

Employee Vakas Shahid said: “Asad would normally come straight back into the shop but he just sat in the car and didn’t move.

“Like a statue, he was very still, a couple of the shop workers went over to help him out.

“We could see all the blood, he was in shock and didn’t know what day it was.

“He was starting to lose conciousness and we called an ambulance.

“I was so scared.

“It all happened so quickly and I didn’t know what to do, within a few minutes the ambulance arrived and he was off.

“It could have been me. Asad had offered to go on the trip because it was the last delivery of the night and it was to an unusual address.

“His kindness saved me from going out there and getting seriously hurt myself.

“We’ve never had a problem with the delivery service before, we always get on with everyone and we have lots of regular customers.”

Mr Qamar, from Whalley Range, who has owned the store for more than 15 years, was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for treatment.

The deliver5y service has been suspended.

Eyewitness said three police cars and an ambulance attended the shop, while police taped off the area as far as Addison Street.

Shazad Shafiq, a close-friend of Mr Qamar, said: “This is a disgusting attack on such a kind, innocent, helpful man.

“Everyone in the area gets on with him, he has so many customers know him by name.

“We have had so many people ask about how he’s doing its been amazing, the community support has been exceptional.

“There is no reason for this to happen, he’s not got any enemies. It made me angry and upset to think this happened to someone, let alone someone I know.”

Mr Qamar is believed to have been released from hospital and is recovering at home.

Cllr Tony Humphrys, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “For a man to be going about his business and be horrifically attacked is absolutely disgraceful.

“The area had a reputation a few years ago and a lot of hard work was put in by residents and councillors to change this.

“It’s heartbreaking to see an isolated incident such as this has happened again, terrible news.”

Detectives are now urging anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

Det Insp Julie Cross said: “This was a shocking, targeted attack on a man simply out doing his job.

“We are keen to trace the four men, particularly the offender, and so if anyone saw anything or has any information that could assist us with our investigation, I would urge them to get in touch.

“I would like to reassure local residents that we have stepped up patrols in the area.

“Anyone with information can call us on 101.”