This is the moment two men attacked a shopkeeper with a machete and an iron bar as he was locking up for the day.
CCTV footage shows the criminals ambushing the shopkeeper and slashing at him with weapons.
The shopkeeper, 50, is now in hospital with serious injuries to his neck and legs following the attack which happened around 11pm last night (Friday.)
Police have now launched an investigation into the robbery outside the Nila convenience store on Old Chester Road in Rock Ferry.
The footage shows two hooded men set upon the shopkeeper as he locked up the shutters for the night.
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The worker was thrown to the floor and then beaten with an iron bar. A second man then produced a large machete and brandished the weapon in the victim's face.
At one point one during the sustained attack one of the men kicked the shopkeeper in the face, as his ruck sack was stolen. He was left sprawled on the pavement as the two attackers ran off.
The owner of the store released the footage to the ECHO to help track down those responsible.
A police spokesman said: "The victim, a 50-year-old man, sustained serious injuries to his legs and neck and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
"An investigation is underway and detectives are keen to speak to anyone with information."
Appealing for information, Detective Inspector Chris Hawitt today said: “This brutal, senseless attack has left an innocent man with serious injuries and we are carrying out extensive enquires to establish the full circumstances and locate the offenders.
“We do believe that there may have been people in the area at the time and I would urge any witnesses to please come forward.
"We are also particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, or saw two males fitting the description of the offenders making off from the scene or in the surrounding area.
“To be attacked while simply carrying out your job is disgraceful and has not only left someone seriously injured, but incredibly shaken too. An investigation is now underway and we are examining CCTV footage, gathering forensic evidence and carrying out witness enquiries.
“Officers will also remain in the area today to carry out enquiries and provide reassurance to the local community, as we work to locate those responsible and bring them to justice.”
*Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact Mersyside Police via Twitter (@MerPolCC) or by calling 101 quoting reference: 20000722821.
You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or via their online form here.
