Burwood 7-Eleven worker stabbed in chest after confronting teen thieves
An Indian student has had emergency surgery after being stabbed trying to prevent a gang of teens stealing from a convenience store, in the latest instance of shocking retail violence.
An international student has been stabbed in the chest after a group of teenagers swarmed an inner west convenience store and attacked him after trying to steal from the shelves.
Police and paramedics rushed to a 7-Eleven store on Burwood Rd, Burwood, at 2.20am on Thursday morning, after Indian international student Saif Shah was stabbed by a young thug.
It’s understood a group of up to 15 youths – both boys and girls – invaded the store and began grabbing items from the shelves, when Mr Shah ran out from behind the counter and attempted to stop them.
One of the boys allegedly lunged at Mr Shah with a knife, stabbing him in the chest, before the group fled the scene.
Mr Shah was rushed to hospital and had emergency surgery.
His friend said the 20-year-old was “doing OK” and in a stable condition, but “really scared” after the attack.
“He was just trying to do his job, for him this is all really scary,” the friend said.
“He has never experienced something like this, but he is recovering now from surgery so hopefully all will be OK.”
The group of teens are still on the run, with police launching an investigation to track down those involved.
Bernie Smith, Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association NSW Secretary, said he was horrified to hear of yet another attack on a Sydney retail worker.
“We are very saddened by yet another attack on a retail worker,” Mr Smith said.
“Our thoughts are with him and his family.
“This has to stop. Workers should be assured of a safe workplace. If you pick up a weapon and attack a retail worker, you need to face serious consequences no matter how old you are.
“Along with the NSW government’s retail crime strategy, it’s now time to legislate workplace protection orders, too.”
The Daily Telegraph understands Mr Shah is now in a stable condition and recovering in hospital.
As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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Originally published as Burwood 7-Eleven worker stabbed in chest after confronting teen thieves
