Two men have been charged in connection with the death of a man trying to protect his wife and business from a gang of thieves on Monday.

Police say Shammi Atwal, 45, a father-of-two from Chigwell, was pushed in front of a lorry in Barking at around 10.20pm after chasing burglars from his business.

Detectives charged two men with manslaughter and robbery last night.

Lithuanian nationals Vidmantas Gonskoves, 26, of Grange Road in Newham, and Aurimas Diliunas, 27, of Rosslyn Road in Barking, will appear in custody at Redbridge Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

On Monday a group of 10 men armed with metal bars and at least one sledgehammer entered the Glen & Co cash & carry in River Road.

An altercation broke out when Mr Atwal and his wife, who own the business, tried to prevent the robbery.

The men ran from the store, followed by Mr Atwal, who was then pushed under a lorry.

He was pronounced dead at the scene at 11.10pm.

The driver stopped at the scene and was not arrested.

Mr Atwal’s wife suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.