A BUTCHER who suffered a suspected broken jaw in a robbery at his shop has been given a pick-me-up by the kindness shown to him by complete strangers.

Mohammed Riaz, 58, was also left with loosened teeth, and cuts and bruising to his face, head and body following the incident, which happened at about 2.20pm last Sunday at his butcher’s shop and convenience store, Meat Hut, in Little Horton Lane, Bradford.

Mr Riaz had X-rays and has to return to hospital next week, when the swelling has gone down, to establish the extent of his injuries.

But he was back at work the day after the incident, determined not to let his customers down at Eid.

Yesterday, Mr Riaz, through his family, thanked the wellwishers who had turned up at his shop with flowers, cards and even money.

His brother-in-law, Sajid Hussain, said: “He has been so touched by people’s kindness, he has been in tears. He wants to publicly give a big thank-you to everyone who has been so supportive.

“Many of the people who have come to the shop with gifts and kind words, he did not know, and a lot of the people he probably won’t ever see again, but he is so grateful to them for making the effort.

“He is still in a lot of pain from his ribs and he will have X-rays for that. But it can take much longer for the psychological scars to heal than the physical ones. All this support has put him back on his feet psychologically.”

Mr Hussain added: “It strengthens his resolve to keep on with his business and his life. It’s good to know there are people out there who care. Many of them have been passers-by or people who read about it in the Telegraph & Argus.

“My brother-in-law is grateful for every single person who has come forward to support him. He also wants to say a big thank-you to police for their fast response and everything they have done.”

A 24-year-old man has been charged with robbery and appeared at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court.

Leonard Brown, of Tamar Street, Canterbury, Bradford, will next appear at Bradford Crown Court on August 4.

He was granted bail with three conditions, that he lives and sleeps in Tamar Street, that he does not contact Mr Riaz and two other named witnesses, and that he does not go within 200 metres of Meat Hut.

Police yesterday arrested and bailed a 20-year-old man on suspicion of robbery. They are seeking a third suspect.

Anyone with information should call Bradford District CID on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.