American shopkeeper shot dead during store robbery

An investigation has been launched after an American convenience store owner was fatally shot following a robbery.

Ashwinbhai Patel, 60, from Blackville, South Carolina, sadly died at the scene.

Police were called shortly after 6.45am on Tuesday, 8th September to the Corner Shop also in Blackville, close to South Carolina Highway 3.

Emergency services quickly attended the scene, with around 15 vehicles on site minutes following the incident was reported.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division spokesman Tommy Crosby called the incident a “robbery turned homicide.”

Hours after the shooting, the site remained very active around midday, with officers and investigators out in force along with members of the community.

An autopsy will be performed in due course.