A pawn shop worker was attacked and left needing hospital treatment during a violent raid by masked robbers this morning.
The two balaclava-clad men punched the staff member on the face after bursting into H&T Pawnbrokers on Walton Vale just after 9am on Tuesday.
The men continued to make threats after the attack and fled with cash following the sickening scenes.
Police confirmed the staff member was taken to hospital after the appalling attack but appeared to have escaped with minor injuries.
Detectives are now hunting the robbers behind what they termed a "desperate and despicable" act.
It is thought the masked men made off towards Windsor Road and Chelsea Road, possibly towards the loop line.
An area search has been carried out supported by the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter.
CCTV, witness and forensic enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Detective Inspector Sean Kelly-Martland said: "These are the early stages of this investigation so we are looking to establish the circumstances of this robbery.
"To make threats and attack a member of staff at one of our local businesses is desperate and despicable, and we want to hear from anyone who was passing and saw or heard anything."
He added: "We think that the suspects ran off onto the Loop Line. If you live locally or were passing in a vehicle and saw two men running off, check your home CCTV and dashcam as these may hold vital evidence.
"We are determined to find those responsible and put them before the courts."
Anyone with information can contact @MerPolCC or 101 with reference 19100480776.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
