Accrington shopkeeper seriously injured in violent robbery

A shopkeeper was seriously injured in an armed robbery at a newsagents in Accrington, Lancashire.

The incident happened at around 8pm on 20 February at Fern Gore Newsagents on Fern Gore Avenue.

Four men entered the store, armed with a baseball bat, a cricket bat and a kitchen knife. Two of them attacked the shopkeeper with the bats and the third threatened him with the knife.

The victim passed £300 to a fourth man as they demanded cash from the till.

The shopkeeper was later taken to hospital for treatment.

Police has released CCTV visuals of the suspects, appealing for witnesses.

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

“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 1431 of February 20.

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