Shopkeeper attacked in armed raid

A newsagent was taken to hospital after being subjected to a violent attack during an armed robbery in Lancashire.

Police said three men armed with a handgun and a knife went into Bastwell's on Whalley New Road, Blackburn, on Monday evening.

One man forced the shopkeeper to hand over the till's contents - about £700 - before attacking him with the knife.

The 32-year-old was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital with lacerations to his head. Police are hunting the gang.

A Lancashire Constabulary spokesman said they were last seen crossing a footbridge leading to Wesley Street.

The gunman is described as having a slim build and was wearing dark clothing, a hooded top and a Halloween mask.

The knifeman was also wearing dark clothing, a hooded top and a scarf concealing his face.

Police said the third was wearing a light-coloured or green balaclava.

Det Sgt Paul Ryan, leading the investigation, said: "This was a very serious incident and very traumatic for the victim, who was subjected to needless violence and was in the shop alone at the time."