Pragaret Singh murder: Store owner shot 'protecting business' 1 November 2014 Last updated at 22:20 A food store owner was shot dead at his Manchester business while "grappling" with a pair of robbers, police believe. Pragaret Singh, 35, was found with wounds to his abdomen and chest at Manchester Food Traders in Wood Street, Openshaw, on Friday evening. Mr Singh, who was locking up the family business when he was attacked, died in hospital. His uncle Billy Singh said the family was "devastated" and that his death had "left a hole in their world." Police said Mr Singh was carrying "thousands of pounds" of takings from the business when he was attacked. It is thought the two robbers ran off with a large amount of money and fled in a silver car. One of the men is described as black with spiked knotted hair and of a tall slim build. Unimaginable loss Det Supt Jon Chadwick said Mr Singh, from Swinton, Salford, was a father of three and known as Charlie to his friends. He said: "We believe Charlie has grappled with at least one of the offenders to protect his business and during that struggle he suffered fatal gunshot wounds. At this stage of our inquiry we believe this is the tragic death of an innocent businessman who was simply trying to protect his livelihood from criminals. As a result, Charlie's entire family have suffered an unimaginable loss. Billy Singh described his nephew as "a lovely lad and a dedicated father, who loved his kids." No arrests have been made and police are appealing for witnesses. Greater Manchester Police said there would be an increased police presence in the area over the coming "hours, days and weeks."