Drinks company boss shot dead in Birmingham warehouse attempted robbery

Several masked men were said to have been in the process of raiding soft drinks distributors Direct Source 3 when West Midlands Police were called at around 6.40pm yesterday.

Officers found Akhtar Javeed, 56, had been shot and he was rushed to hospital where he later died.

A major manhunt was under way today for the two men police were behind the deadly raid at the address at 66 Rea Street South, who are believed to have fled in a getaway vehicle.

Superintendent Andy Parsons confirmed the alleged gunmen sought out Mr Javeed's business specifically.

He told reporters at the scene: "It's early stages of the investigation but at this moment in time we believe this was a targeted attack at Mr Javeed's premises and the purpose of that attack was a robbery.

"There were a number of staff members in the premises at the time. We are working with them this morning both in terms of trying to understand what they can offer in terms of evidence but also offering support because, as you can imagine, it was a hugely traumatic incident.

"We don't understand what was the motive of that attempted robbery. But everything we understand at this moment in time indicates it was very specifically aimed towards Mr Javeed's premises."

He said the type of firearm will be determined after forensic testing.

Mr Parsons added: "Officers and paramedics gave immediate first aid to assist Mr Javeed, who was rushed immediately to hospital where further medical assistance was provided.

"Tragically, however, Mr Javeed was pronounced dead a short time later. The thoughts are with the family of Mr Javeed."

John Lamb, spokesman for the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: "People are working away, hard, to keep businesses going, so it's awful when something like this happens, particularly in these tough times.

"Unfortunately it's getting more and more prevalent.

"Our condolences of course go out to him and his family, friends and employees."