Knifed store boss 'wanted to quit'

The mother of a Matalan store manager murdered after standing up to three robbers revealed today he wanted to quit his job over fears for his safety.

But Jamie Simpson, 33, decided to stay in his post after mother, Lorna, persuaded him to "stick at it".

Mr Simpson was knifed in the neck as he cashed up alone shortly before 8pm on Saturday at the store in the Kingsland shopping centre, Hackney.

Police believe the three men lay in wait in the shop to attack him in the cash office as he counted the day's takings.

Mr Simpson had been assistant manager for three years but wanted to give up because he felt threatened in the area. His mother, 52, today spoke of her feelings of guilt at persuading him to stay on.

Mrs Simpson, a teacher from Derby, said: "When he first took the job he said 'Mum, I don't like the area. The people around here are not right'. I said: 'Try to stick at it until you find another job'. To know I told him to carry on working is devastating to me."

Police want witnesses or anyone with information to call 020 8345 1585 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Matalan has offered a £40,000 reward in the hunt for the killers.