Shop worker shot during robbery

A shop worker was critically injured when he was shot during a robbery at a cash-and-carry in south London.

Colin Thomas, 24, challenged a group of masked men stealing jewellery from glass cabinets in Costco in Croydon on Thursday night, police said.

One of two men standing near the shop's doorway shot the worker in the chest at close range, police said.

He was taken a south London hospital. Police believe there were at least five robbers. No-one has been arrested.

Costco is a large store located between Purley Way and Imperial Way, a short distance south of Croydon town centre.

The men ran into the store and smashed several glass jewellery cabinets with a hammer, police said.

Alerted by an automatic alarm, Mr Thomas ran to stop them but was shot.

The robbers, who wore hoods, scarves and dark clothing, are believed to have fled on foot. Police are examining CCTV footage from the store.

'Role model'

Colleagues described Mr Thomas as a "phenomenal" worker and "role model".

Det Supt Bob Cummings said: "He is in a serious condition. We are very concerned about him. Costco employees are very concerned about him and his family are with him."

He said Mr Thomas was "an intelligent man who acted extremely courageously on this occasion".

"He has worked for Costco for five months and has already been promoted in that short time," he added.

"It is very sad, a promising career, a man just carrying out his job, should have this happen to him."