Boulangerie Victor Hugo owner Reda Karim inspects the damage done to his Longstore outlet at about 2am yesterday. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0883556)

A CAFE window was smashed early yesterday by ‘cowards’, according to its owner.

Boulangerie Victor Hugo proprietor Reda Karim was convinced the damage done to his Longstore property was intentional but vowed it would not affect him.

‘I am 100% convinced some coward did this on purpose, this disgusting action,’ he said.

‘At around 2am, when the bakers were in the back, they heard a big smash and came running out,’ he said. ‘But by the time they got outside there was nobody there and no sign of what created the hole. They must have been well organised and ran off quickly or had cars, perhaps.’

The impact must have been powerful, he said.

‘It is thick double glazing so you couldn’t do it with your foot or anything. It must have been with a rock or a piece of metal.’

Mr Karim did not know who would have done it. ‘There are some cowards around. Maybe they don’t appreciate our success and maybe it’s jealousy. The shop was full this morning and my customers said don’t worry, it won’t affect your business,’ he said yesterday. ‘They said it was someone with ignorant mentality who did it. I won’t let it affect my morale.’

The police are appealing for witnesses.