Shopkeeper 'relieved' to be cleared

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Tony Singh, 34, extended his sympathy to the family of career criminal Liam Kilroe, but said he had had "no option but to defend myself". Mr Singh was arrested after Kilroe died when attempting to mug the shopkeeper, who grappled with him to defend himself.

Kilroe, 25, from St Helens, Merseyside, died from a single stab wound to the chest after trying to rob his victim on Birleywood Road, Skelmersdale, at around 9pm on February 17.

It has been announced that Mr Singh, who owns the Lifestyle Express store in Birleywood, will face no charges over Kilroe's death.

Mr Singh was due to appear at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, but his solicitor, Nick Archer, said his client was overwhelmed and could not face the media.

Mr Archer read out a statement on Mr Singh's behalf: "I would like to say how relieved I am at the decision that I am not going to be prosecuted for any offence as a result of the incident last Sunday 17 February.

"I would like to thank the police and in particular Det Supt (Mick) Gradwell and the CPS for the speed and thoroughness of their investigation and their decision-making."

He added: "I tried to get away from the attacker but was left with no option but to defend myself. In the course of the attack I was stabbed to my head causing what could have been a life-threatening injury and also suffered repeated stab wounds to my back.

"In the struggle with my attacker I understand he suffered an injury but I do not know how the injury was caused. I do not want to be seen as a hero. I did no more or less than try to save my life. I extend my sympathy to the Kilroe family who after all have lost a son."

He went on: "I have been traumatised by this event and my family have been deeply distressed by the incident and I am desperate to return to normality ... I would like to thank everyone for their support. I do hope that myself and my family can now be left to try to get back to life as normal as possible."