Further arrests over Huddersfield shopkeeper killing

Mr Singh had celebrated his 63rd birthday the day before the attack

Three more people have been arrested over the murder of a Huddersfield shopkeeper who was attacked with a hammer during a robbery at his store.

Gurmail Singh, 63, died in hospital after the attack at Cowcliffe Convenience Store on 20 February.

Two 17-year-old males and a 20-year-old man are being questioned.

Police said a 17-year-old male arrested on Thursday had been charged with robbery in relation to a separate incident at the shop on 18 February.

Well-loved

He is due to appear at Huddersfield Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Two other males, aged 17 and 18, who were also arrested on Thursday, have been released without charge.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said the new arrests were made over the weekend.

One 17-year-old was arrested in the Sheepridge area of Huddersfield on Saturday and is being held on suspicion of murder and robbery.

The other 17-year-old was detained in the Fartown area on Sunday morning as was the 20-year-old who was arrested in Crosland Moor.

Police said both were being held on suspicion of murder.

'Tremendous response'

A post-mortem examination showed Mr Singh suffered at least nine blows to the head, probably from a hammer.

Det Supt David Pervin said there had been a "tremendous response" to an appeal for information.

He added: "But once again it is imperative that the public continue to contact the police with any information they have that could assist the investigation."

Mr Singh has been described as a well-loved member of the community.

Earlier, people in the community came together for a special service to pay their respects to Mr Singh.

Residents, police and Kirklees Council leader Mehboob Khan gathered at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sikh temple.

One woman who attended the service said: "The shop was the heart of the community.

"Everbody knew Mr Singh, Mrs Singh, the daughter.

"He was always friendly and had a smile when you went in. Nothing was too much trouble."