AN anxious shopkeeper is urging witnesses to contact police after his shop was subject to a drive-by shooting.

Thavarajah Rekulan, 35, was in the stock room at Harwich Road Stores, in Little Clacton, when he was startled by a piercing bang.

After running out, he saw the shop’s front window had shattered with a similar pattern to that of a gunshot.

He was alone when it happened at about 11.30am on Tuesday and could not see anyone inside or near the shop in Harwich Road.

He said: “I heard a big bang on the window. I had no idea what it was.

“I thought maybe someone had hit the window with a hammer but when I saw the window, it looked exactly like a gunshot.

Gazette:

“Looking at the CCTV slowly was when I realised someone had shot from the car while it was moving.

“Speaking to customers we think it was a BB gun or something like that, but I’m unable to make out the number plate of the vehicle. All I know is it was a dark coloured car.”

Mr Rekulan, who is originally from Sri Lanka, opened the convenience store last August after moving from London to Little Clacton.

The dad-of-two fears for his family and customers’ welfare but does not believe his shop has been targeted purposefully.

The damage to his window is likely to cost at least £500 to repair.

He said: “I didn’t know much about Little Clacton before moving here but I think it’s a good place. My customers are really nice, it’s quiet and I’ve never had any problems with anyone so it came as a shock.

“I just want to know who did it and why because it’s a matter of safety. I have schoolkids coming in before and after school and even have two young children of my own.

“It may be fun to whoever did it, but if it was a real gun or if I had been sat by the till, it would have hit my head or it could have blinded me, or worse, so I’m worried about that.”

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Inquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Clacton police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”