Terrifying CCTV footage has been released of a brutal attack on a Salford shopkeeper from two masked thugs brandishing a machete.
The incident happened shortly before 8.30pm on Friday March 27, when two masked men burst into the Top Shop convenience store on Rocky Lane in Monton.
The video shows one man jumping over the counter to demand that the shop assistant open the till, while the other, standing close to the door, waves what is believed to be a machete inside a sports sock.
When the shopkeeper refused to hand over the cash, he was assaulted by both men and hit on the head with the machete.
Both assailants then left with cash and cigarettes, making a getaway down Park Road towards Eccles Park and Ellesmere Road.
As a result of the brutal machete attack, the shopkeeper required surgery for a large wound to the top of his head.
Police are now appealing for information on the two robbers. The man with the machete is described as white and in his late teens to early twenties. He was wearing a facemask and black top with a thick light-coloured strip down both arms, with a white t-shirt over the top and black trousers.
His accomplice is also described as a white male around the same age, wearing black trousers and a blue hooded top with the words ‘California Pasadena’ in large letters on the back.
Detective Constable Derek Nellany of Salford division said: “I am appalled at the level of violence and intimidation used by the men on an innocent shop assistant who was just doing his job. The man was trying to protect the business but in doing so was brutally attacked.
“The offenders both wore very distinctive clothing and I ask people to have a good look at the footage and if you recognise the men in the images or the distinctive clothing, please contact police immediately.”
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 5097 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
