POLICE investigating a "brutal" robbery in which a Radcliffe shopkeeper was repeatedly punched in the head have released CCTV images of two men they wish to speak to.

The robbery took place at Ashby Stores, in Coronation Road, at around 7.10am on Saturday, October 3.

One of the offenders entered the store and approached the till to ask for cigarettes, while a second man threatened the shopkeeper, demanding he hand over money and cigarettes.

The shopkeeper began to dial 999 from the shop’s phone, which prompted the second offender to launch into an attack, punching him repeatedly to the head.

The victim continued to try and raise the alarm, defending himself from the constant barrage of punches as he attempted to activate the police alarm in the shop’s back room.

Failing to reach the alarm, the victim continued to fight off the offender as he moved towards the entrance to try and shout for help.

The second robber then ran back towards the till and snatched the cash box before both walked away from the shop towards Kilburn Road.

The first offender is described as white, around 5ft 8in tall and was wearing a grey tracksuit top and bottoms, with a blue gilet over the top and a blue bucket hat.

The second offender is described as white, around 6ft tall and wearing black jogging bottoms, black jacket with blue torso and blue hood, dark trainers and a white surgical mask and blue surgical gloves.

Detective Sergeant Colin Langstroth said: “The victim was subjected to a brutal sustained assault, though fortunately he was not left with any serious injury as a result.

“The fact one of the offenders was wearing a surgical mask and gloves indicates he set out from his home intent on committing a crime that morning.

“The pair only made off with around £150 in cash, and were seemingly prepared to subject this poor man to a terrible attack in order to get it.

“That is why it is so important we trace them, so if you recognise either of these men I would ask that you contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.