Female worker stabbed in store

A woman who was stabbed at a TK Maxx store in Leicester was an employee, it has been revealed.

Rina Panchal, 26, from Birstall, was attacked at the store on Barkby Thorpe Lane, Thurmaston shortly after 8am on Wednesday morning.

Mrs Panchal, who had worked at the store for just under a year, was attacked inside the shop, which was closed at the time, and stabbed several times.

She was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary, where she died shortly afterwards.

A 31-year-old man was arrested in connection with the attack after the incident and remains in police custody.

TK Maxx was closed all day on Wednesday in order to allow a forensic examination to take place.

Detective Superintendent Martin Morrissey, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are keeping an open mind about the motive for the incident and are working closely with staff at the Thurmaston store to establish exactly what happened."

Rina's husband paid tribute to her, describing her as a "brave, sweet, fun-loving person". He said: "She had a bubbly personality and, apart from being my wife, she was also my best friend. Everyone who came into contact with her left with a smile. She had many friends within the community and she will be missed very much.

"I pray to god that she can rest in peace and that justice will be done in relation to her death. Rina was not only my wife she was also a very loving, sister, daughter and auntie to other members of our family. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her."

Paul Sweetenham, managing director of TK Maxx, said: "Rina Panchal joined our Thurmaston store when it opened just under a year ago. She was a committed member of our team, always cheerful and bright. Her positive and warm outlook made Rina a very popular colleague and she will be deeply missed by us all."

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Leicestershire police on: 0116 222 2222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA)