An assault on a Kilmarnock shopkeeper has been branded "vile" as the hunt for the attacker continues today.
Fury erupted after a man tried to rob Kelly's Store on Samson Avenue on Saturday, January 15.
And in the process of the attempted robbery, Saman Sami was attacked and injured by the callous assailant.
Councillor Barry Douglas, who is also East Ayrshire's provost, visited the stricken 62-year-old and said the no one should come to work and be assaulted.
Councillor Douglas said: "At the request of the family I went along this evening to meet with Mr Sami from Kelly’s Stores on Samson Avenue following the assault that took place on Saturday [January 15].
"The family are full of praise for the work of Ayrshire Police Division and NHS staff at Crosshouse Hospital.
"I have reassured Mr Sami that the community stands with him and we all hope that whoever was responsible for this vile attack will be caught and brought to justice as soon as possible. I have agreed to discuss street lighting in the area with Ayrshire Roads Alliance."
Councillor Douglas added: “I am disgusted that such an attack took place and would urge anyone with any information to come forward to the Police or Crimestoppers. No-one should come to their work and be subject to an assault, Mr Sami is providing the community with a great service as a local shopkeeper and it’s good to see him back at work."
Police confirmed today that the hunt for Mr Sami's attacker goes on.
Detective Sergeant Sarah Holland, of Kilmarnock CID, said last week: "This was a frightening experience for the shopkeeper and has resulted in him sustaining an injury.
"Enquiries are at an early stage, and although this was an isolated incident, additional patrols will be continued in the area.
"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident who may have witnessed what happened, or any motorists who were in the area with dash cam footage, to please come forward.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101, quoting incident number 3084 of 15 January. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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