A SHOPKEEPER who was violently stabbed during a botched robbery has thanked the paramedics who saved his life and vowed to return to work soon.
Harvinder Ubhi, 51, was knifed in the back last Monday when he tried to fend off an armed robber at the News Hut, in New Windsor Street, Uxbridge.
Recovering at his home in Blackthorne Avenue, West Drayton, he said: "The knife nearly touched my lungs, the doctors said I was very lucky, but I'll be back, I'm strong.
"I'm not scared of anybody, these things happen in life, but the robber did not even escape with anything, what is the point in trying to take somebody's life?"
Mr Ubhi left St Mary's Hospital in Paddington last Tuesday night and has been recovering ever since.
He has stitches in his back where he was stabbed and expects to be left with a scar and has a heavily bruised arm and gashed leg which he sustained trying to fight off the robber.
"I was just standing in my shop when this man walked in and went over to the fridge, he turned around brandishing a knife telling me to hand over all the cash from the till.
"I went to grab the metal bar from behind the counter, and that is when he must have stabbed me, although I didn't realise at the time.
"I fought him off and tried to stop him escaping on his motorbike. I smashed the front of his bike with my metal bar, I wanted to stop him escaping, he was revving the engine and threatening to run me down.
"At this point the traffic was stationary outside the shop, but nobody got out to help because he was waving a knife around.
"Only when he got away I felt my back and it was pouring with blood.
He thanked the police for their help, and is positive about chances of catching the attacker, and believes over 10 witnesses have already come forward.
"I feel a lot better now, although occasionally I feel a bit weak. I am looking forward to seeing my shop and my customers, I have been given a second life."
Mr Ubhi's house is adorned with dozens of get well cards and flowers from concerned customers who he has served for over 25 years.
He said: "This has been a nightmare, but it has brought our community closer together."
The police are continuing to appeal for information, as yet no arrests have been made in connection with the attack. Anyone with information should call 0208 246 1471.
