Shop boss killed for £1,100

A London shop manager stabbed to death by masked robbers was today described by his distraught widow as the "best daddy in the world".

Carlton Maxwell-Clarke was killed when two armed men stormed into JJB Sports in Beckton, east London, as he was locking up and demanded money from the safe.

Mr Maxwell-Clarke, 36, is thought to have resisted handing over any cash and was stabbed three times in the heart with a 12- inch knife. The two held a gun to his head and placed a knife at the throat of his 20-year-old female assistant before fleeing with £1,100.

Police sources said detectives were particularly appalled at the murder, from which the killers escaped with less than £600 each. A £50,000 reward has been offered for information.

His wife Alex, from Barking, Essex, today described her heartbreak at losing her "soulmate" and the father of their 19-month-old son Warwick. Secretary Mrs Maxwell-Clarke, 26, said: "Carlton was the best daddy in the world to Warwick. He is too young to understand but he can feel everyone's upset."

Referring to his killers, she said: "They are evil thugs. They stabbed Carlton right through his heart and out the other side. They have ruined my life and robbed my son of a daddy. I have nothing but total contempt for them."

She added: "Carlton had told me he was concerned about the lack of security in the store. He said there weren't even any CCTV cameras."-Mr Maxwell-Clarke rang her to say he would be home shortly just minutes before the robbery.

She said: "Carlton was not well but he went in anyway because they were short-staffed. At 7.50pm he phoned and said he would be home in about 15 minutes.

"The police turned up at my doorstep at midnight and told me my husband was dead. I still cannot believe he is not coming home."

The couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary last month and she described how they had fallen in love while working at investment bank Merrill Lynch. She said: "It was love at first sight, Carlton was my soulmate. He was a kind, loving man, a great husband and father."

His sister Emma Allison, 29, from Barnet, added: "Carlton was a very special person. He was the best brother you could ask for."

Detectives are examining CCTV footage believed to be from nearby Alpine Way and are waiting to talk to the female shop assistant who is said to be "deeply traumatised".

The two attackers, who sped away in a white car following the incident last Friday, were described as Asian and around 25-years-old. DCI Steve Hobbs of the Serious Crime Group East, who is heading the investigation, said: "This was a callous attack on a defenceless manager."

JJB Sports has offered the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction. Anyone with information is asked to call Hendon police on 020 83581336 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.