A-level student in court over murdered shopkeeper robbery

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, is charged with a robbing Gurmail Singh of cigarettes at his store in the Cowcliffe area of Huddersfield on February 18.

The alleged robbery took place two days before Mr Singh, 63, was attacked and killed in his store.

The youth appeared before Huddersfield Youth Court wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans.

He was visibly upset for parts of the hearing.

An application for bail was refused and the teenager was remanded in custody to appear again on March 9 at the same court.

Mr Singh suffered serious head injuries on the evening of Saturday February 20 - probably inflicted by a hammer - and died in hospital early the following morning.

Detectives were today continuing to question a 20-year-old man and two 17-year-olds in connection with Mr Singh's murder.

Mr Singh was an extremely well-respected shopkeeper who many have described as a pillar of the community.

Dozens of bunches of flowers have been laid outside Mr Singh's home, which is a short distance from his store.

Customers, friends and community leaders have spoken of Mr Singh's hard work and his kindness towards people living in the area.

He opened his store from 6am to 9pm, seven days a week - often delivering papers before the doors opened.

Police said Mr Singh came to the UK in 1963 and he leaves a wife, two adult sons and a daughter. He celebrated his 63rd birthday the day before he died.