Shopkeeper in baseball bat attack

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack

A shopkeeper who was attacked with a baseball bat during an attempted robbery in Edinburgh has told how he is nervous to be back at work.

Javed Iqbal, 37, was assaulted in Krishan Grocers, on Newhaven Road at about 1550 BST on Friday.

He was working in his shop when a youth walked in and demanded money, before attacking him with the weapon.

Mr Iqbal managed to fend off the robber who then fled empty-handed. The father-of-three was not seriously injured.

I just tried to save myself, I was so worried and my heart was pounding Javed Iqbal Shopkeeper

Mr Iqbal, who lives in Edinburgh, told BBC Scotland news website, he had no choice but to go back to work following the attack.

He said: "I am nervous sitting here back at work but I have three children so I have to go to make money for them.

"I was sitting at the counter with my door open when the teenager came in wearing a balaclava and he shouted 'Give me the money' and then tried to hit me over the head with his baseball bat.

"I put my hand up in the air and managed to block the bat as he did it again and again until my arm was so bruised and very sore.

"I couldn't reach the panic button but got a wastepaper bin when he stopped to let me open the till and I threw it at him and he ran off.

"I just tried to save myself, I was so worried and my heart was pounding."

Mr Iqbal said he knew the balaclava-clad attacker was young from the sound of his voice and from his height and build.

The attacker is described as white, between 15 and 17 years old, 5ft 5in to 5ft 7in tall, with a slim build and blue eyes. He was wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and a black balaclava.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman appealed for witnesses.

He said: "Fortunately the man wasn't seriously injured and no cash or valuables were taken during this incident.

"Nevertheless, we are treating this very seriously and are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious, to contact police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect and has information that can help with our inquiries should also come forward."