Traders and shoppers shocked at the fatal stabbing of a security guard are digging deep to help his family. The launch of a trust fund for Paul Cavanagh's family and for another guard injured in the Chapelfield attack in Norwich comes as a crime prevention plan is announced to supply body armour to store security workers.

Traders and shoppers shocked at the fatal stabbing of a security guard are digging deep to help his family.

The launch of a trust fund for Paul Cavanagh's family and for another guard injured in the Chapelfield attack in Norwich comes as a crime prevention plan is announced to supply body armour to store security workers.

Mr Cavanagh, 30, of The Street, Rockland St Mary, was working as a security guard at the HMV store in the Chapelfield shopping centre when he was stabbed on Monday, December 18.

The father-of-two and fellow security worker Gavin Levett were both injured and taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, but Mr Cavanagh, who leaves behind pregnant fiancée Clare, died from his wounds.

Kim Doherty, who runs the retail crime-busting Siren partnership, which links city shops and warns them when known offenders are spotted in stores, said city traders had been “deeply affected” by the attack and wanted to help the families involved by setting up the fund.

She said: “The city centre retail stores work very closely as a team and it really did affect everybody quite deeply. It shocked me and I know from speaking to other people in the centre that it really shocked them too.”

Some city centre stores and companies have been taking collections already and Ms Doherty said there had also been strong support from Norwich's pubs and clubs.

She said: “We are trying to improve the equipment side for security staff in businesses.

“We are looking into providing anti-stab vests and have also just got some anti-slash gloves.

“We are also looking into getting some funding to help us provide this sort of equipment for those who want to wear them.”

Flowers laid in tribute to Mr Cavanagh were this week moved from outside the HMV store to the nearby grounds of St Stephen's Church.

The shopping centre's HMV store was closed after Mr Cavanagh's death, but has now reopened.

A handwritten sign put up just inside the doorway of HMV yesterday read: “Ladies and gentlemen, we appreciate your support and understanding at this time. We have been overwhelmed by your kindness and ask that you continue to respect the feelings of our staff.”

David Peter Watson, 19, of Balls Pond Road, north London, is due to appear at Norwich Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on January 5. He is charged with murder and two counts of wounding with intent.

The public can donate to the fund at Lloyds TSB, in Gentleman's Walk, by asking to give to the Cavanagh/Levett Fund.