A major manhunt is underway after a hammer-wielding robber subjected a shop worker to a "vicious and sustained attack".
Police in West Lothian have issued a description of a man they are looking to trace following a violent robbery at Dairy Newsagents on Bathgate's Cochrane Street. The incident happened at around 11.30am yesterday (Sunday).
Officers say the culprit entered the store before threatening one staff member with a hammer. He then assaulted a male worker by punching him repeatedly to the head, before making off with a three-figure cash sum.
The man responsible is described as white, tall, slim, wearing dark clothing and had on a black scarf or similar covering the lower half of his face. He spoke with a local Scottish accent.
Detective Sergeant Hannah Traynor of Lothian & Borders CID said: "This was a vicious and sustained attack which resulted in cash being stolen from the shop.
"Our enquiries are ongoing to identify this man and we would urge anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity or who has any other information to come forward.
"In particular we would be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage or private CCTV."
Police say anyone with information should contact them on 101, quoting incident 1323 of 24 January. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
