Two stabbed in attempted robbery

A couple in their 50s have suffered stab wounds during an attempted robbery at a newsagents in Hereford.

The couple were attacked by a robber in his mid-20s in Green Lane Stores, Wordsworth Avenue, just after 1630 BST on Tuesday, West Mercia Police said.

The robber went behind the counter with a knife after paying for a newspaper.

The woman suffered cuts to her hand and abdomen and the man sustained a chest injury. Their injuries were not life threatening, police said.

A police spokesman said the woman was injured during a struggle with the robber. Her partner was injured when he came to her aid.

Hit with mug

The knife was thought to have punctured one of his lungs and he was expected to remain in hospital for a couple of days, the spokesman added.

During the struggle, the offender was hit in the face with a mug of hot tea and may have an injury.

After the incident in the Whitecross area, the robber is thought to have fled down Wordsworth Avenue to Emlyn Avenue.

Police have appealed for witnesses and believe the robber may be local.

He was described as white with ginger hair and of muscular or chubby build. He is 5ft 6in (1.67m) to 5ft 8in (1.73m) tall.