A man has been left in a critical condition in hospital after being attacked at work in a shop.

A 49-year-old man was attacked while working at Rota Express in The Broadway, Mill Hill, at around 11.45pm on January 6.

Three suspects, believed to be black, male teenagers, ran from the scene after the incident.

Police say the man "rightly refused" to sell products to the teenagers as they were believed to have been underage.

Another employee was also attacked but suffered minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.

DI Ian Lott from the Homicide and Major Crime Command said: “The three teenage suspects have then made threats before violently attacking both shopkeepers. One of the men assaulted is now on a life support machine."

Idris Ali, who was worked at the North London Hospice shop on The Broadway for three and a half years, said he arrived on Sunday morning to open the store and was told no shops would be opening on his side of the road.

He said: "An accident like this for the people who work in the shops can be frightening, especially for those who work late at night, but the police showing up is a good deterrent. 

"But this is a safe area - I have friends who live down the road and it is a quiet, nice area."

There have been no arrests and a crime scene is currently in place.

Police are appealing for further information from any witnesses, or any video footage which could have been taken during or after the attack.

Anyone with information should call police on 020 8358 0200 or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.

You can also tweet information to police via @MetCC.