A shopkeeper who was stabbed in an armed robbery fears he is facing a vendetta after an arson attack at his premises.

Mohammed Shaffiq's window blinds shop - Blinds By Fara - in Thornton Road, Girlington, Bradford, was damaged when arsonists piled rubbish behind the back door and set it alight on Tuesday night.

Seven months ago, father-of-five Mr Shaffiq, 37, was stabbed in the shoulder by a knifeman as he foiled a robbery at the shop. The have-a-go shopkeeper was confronted by three masked Asian men in dark clothing and armed with knives and a gun in February.

The gang demanded money but he grabbed the hand of the gunman and hit him on the head with a shovel, causing him to drop the gun.

The raider pulled out a knife and stabbed Mr Shaffiq in the shoulder, leaving him with a swollen back and neck and numbness in his left arm. But the brave shopkeeper chased the three men out of his store.

Mr Shaffiq today said he believed the arson attack and the robbery were linked.

"I think someone has got it in for me and the two incidents are connected," he said.

"There is no doubt the fire was deliberate. Timber had been piled against the door and ignited.

"A neighbour heard a bang and saw three men, one wearing a fluorescent jacket, walking away suspiciously. The shop then burst into flames."

Mr Shaffiq, who lives at Horton Bank Top, said the fire had damaged doors and windows, burned some stock and paperwork and affected his computer.

He said: "I am shocked, devastated and numbed by what has happened."

Mr Shaffiq, who sells window blinds to domestic and commercial customers, said he did not yet know what effect the blaze would have on his business.

Detective Inspector Gerry O'Shea, of Bradford North CID, confirmed the fire was being treated as arson.

He said: "We are investigating the incident. We are keeping an open mind as to whether it is linked to the robbery."

Det Insp O'Shea said a man had previously been interviewed in relation to the robbery and inquiries were ongoing.

He appealed for anyone with information about the arson to contact them on (01274) 376259 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

e-mail: steve.wright@bradford.newsquest.co.uk