London, Oct 16 (IANS): An Indian-origin businessman in Britain was killed after being pushed in front of a lorry as he tried to stand up to a gang robbing his shop.

Shammi Atwal, 45, confronted up to 10 gang members armed with metal bars and a sledgehammer when they entered his drinks wholesale company Glen & Co. Cash and Carry in Essex Monday, the Daily Mail reported.

The robbers pushed Atwal, a father of two, under a lorry after he he tried to stop them from entering his company office.

His wife Deepa, 37, had locked herself inside their company office when she saw the robbers were trying to barge in. She sustained minor injuries and was later discharged from the hospital after treatment.

Police have started an inquiry into the case.

The victim's cousin Surjit Atwal, 50, said the incident left Shammi's wife devastated.

Detective chief inspector Neale Baldock, who is leading the murder inquiry, branded the attack as a cowardly crime.

“This was a man trying to stop thieves robbing his business,” Baldock said.

“He acted bravely in defence of his wife and managed to chase the robbers from his premises only for him to be pushed in front of a moving lorry,” he added.