A thug has assaulted and injured a Kilmarnock shopkeeper after trying to rob a store last night.
The assailant entered the Samson Avenue shop — known as Kelly's Stores — at around 7.30pm and threatened the 62-year-old shop worker before demanding money and assaulting the man.
The man fled the scene with no cash and the victim was rushed to Crosshouse Hospital for treatment, police confirmed today.
Detectives have now launched a full investigation into the attack which has left the shopkeeper frightened and injured.
The suspect is described as a white man with a local accent, 6ft tall and he was wearing black trousers, a black hooded top and a black jacket.
Detective sergeant Sarah Holland, of Kilmarnock CID, said: "This was a frightening experience for the shopkeeper and has resulted in him sustaining an injury.
"Enquiries are at an early stage, and although this was an isolated incident, additional patrols will be continued in the area.
"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident who may have witnessed what happened, or any motorists who were in the area with dash cam footage, to please come forward.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101, quoting incident number 3084 of January 15. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
The attack comes almost exactly two years on from an overnight raid on the shop which saw alcohol, cigarettes and cash to the sum of £12,000 nicked from the store.
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