Police have charged a 16-year-old boy with the murder of a convenience store worker in north London who refused to sell a group of teenagers cigarette papers.

Vijay Patel, 49, was taken to hospital after being found lying injured on the pavement outside Rota Express convenience store, Mill Hill, on Saturday evening. He was taken to a central London hospital where he subsequently died on Monday evening.

Three teenage boys came into the shop and tried to buy some items including cigarette papers, but staff refused them service after they were unable to provide suitable identification.

The three were unhappy about the decision and became aggressive, threatening to vandalise the shop.

Vijay and a colleague went outside after them to ensure no damage was done to the shop. Vijay was struck once by one of the teenagers causing him to fall to the floor, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The colleague was also punched by the teenagers. He suffered minor injuries, but did not require hospital treatment

Anyone with any information about the identity of the three suspects is asked to contact the Incident Room on 020 8358 0200, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.