A Christchurch dairy owner has spoken out after being seriously injured in a violent robbery at his Opawa store.

The attack happened on Tuesday 2 December, when Kamlesh Patel was opening his Opawa dairy and preparing to welcome his regular customers.

That routine was suddenly shattered when a vehicle pulled up outside the shop and three offenders rushed inside.

Patel said he heard shouting and moved quickly to see what was happening.

“I saw someone pulling the cash register from the counter. I jumped over three steps and by then the other boy was already right in front of me. I had nowhere to go,” he said.

As the offenders tried to flee, Patel attempted to stop them, hoping to prevent them escaping and targeting another business.

“They started running. I tried to grab them. We do not want to harm anyone, but we do not want to let them go free either,” he said.

Patel said he did not realise at the time that he had been stabbed. “I did not know. I realised when I saw blood dripping onto the floor. Then I went outside and saw blood outside the door. I knew it was too much blood,” he said.

A local food supplier who was making a delivery, along with nearby neighbours, stepped in to help. Patel was rushed to hospital in a serious condition.

He suffered deep wounds to his arm and face, requiring dozens of stitches. He spent almost eight days in hospital before being discharged.

Physically, Patel said his recovery was still ongoing.

“Physically, I am about 75 percent not fit. Mentally, maybe 50 percent better. A lot of things keep going on in your mind,” he said.

He said the support from the local community had helped him through the ordeal.

“They stood behind me and said no to crime,” Patel said.

Police have charged two teenagers in connection with a series of alleged offences across Christchurch, including the stabbing and robbery involving Patel.

Another offender remains on the loose.

A 14-year-old boy has already appeared in court on serious charges. A 17-year-old is also facing serious charges.

The cases are before the Youth Court and strict legal suppression applies, meaning the youths cannot be named or identified.

The Opawa dairy has been targeted multiple times over the years. Patel said previous incidents included an armed robbery, thefts, and a ram raid.

While the family has been overwhelmed by community support, Patel’s daughter said getting financial assistance from the Ministry of Social Development had been challenging.

Support has now been approved, but the family will not receive any help for at least another month.

With Patel unable to work, the dairy has been closed, cutting off the family’s only source of income.

“This is not serious only for me. This is serious for many small businesses. Small retail has the same problems,” Patel said.

Despite the trauma, Patel said the dairy was far more than just a business. “Making money is one thing. Giving a service is a different thing,” he said.

He said many elderly residents relied on the dairy for everyday essentials and regular contact. “We miss those customers every day. We have known this community for 16 years,” Patel said.

Patel and his family moved to Christchurch from India before the earthquakes. He said the dairy became a place of connection when people had little else.

“There was no cash. We tried our best to give what we could to the community,” he said.

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