Accrington Shopkeeper left with serious injuries after armed men demand cash in 'shocking and violent robbery'

Four men entered Fern Gore Newsagents on Fern Gore Avenue at around 8pm on February 20.

Two of the men attacked the shopkeeper with a baseball bat and cricket bat, with a third man threatening the victim with a kitchen knife.

After the offenders demanded cash from the till, £300 was passed to a fourth man before the group made off from the scene.

The victim suffered a serious head injury and was later taken to hospital for treatment.

Following CCTV enquiries police are keen to identify the men in the CCTV images in connection with the robbery.

DC Karen Wallace, of Blackburn CID, said: “This was a shocking and violent robbery which left the victim seriously injured.

“Someone knows who these men are and I would urge anyone with information to come forward immediately.

“The offenders were wearing distinctive jackets and I believe there are people in the community who know who these individuals are.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 01254 353867 quoting log number 1431 of February 20.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.