A SHOPKEEPER was hit with an iron bar last night when two teenage robbers raided his food store.

The man was working alone in Asghar Food Stores, Lambeth Street, Audley, Blackburn, at 7pm when the two youths burst in.

Detectives said they demanded cash, and during the struggle the shop-owner was hit on the arm with the bar.

The robbers leaned over the till and grabbed cash before fleeing the shop and escaping after a short chase.

One was bare-chested because he wriggled free of his hooded top when it was grabbed by the shopkeeper, who was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital.

He returned home later in the evening with severe bruising to his arm.

The robbers were described as Asian males aged 14 to 15.

One was about 5ft 5in tall and slim, the other one was slightly shorter.

Detective Sergeant Adrian McHugh said: “The victim is obviously very shaken up.

“It’s unusual for robbers to resort to that level of violence, especially with such young offenders.

"We would like to catch them as soon as possible.”

He appealed for anyone who had witnessed the raid or was in the area at the time to contact police on 0845 1253545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Yesterday the shop was open as normal.