Daventry shopkeeper beaten with metal pole after refusing to hand over cash

A Daventry shopkeeper was assaulted with a metal pole after refusing to handover takings to would-be robbers.

Detectives believe the same man ran off with beer and cigarettes three days earlier from the same mini-market, Southbrook Stores in Nelson Close, and have issued CCTV photos of two hooded male they want to find.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: "The first incident happened on Friday March 27 when a man entered the store alone, selected a four-pack of lager and, asked a staff member for cigarettes. He then left the shop without making payment.

"Then, at about 9pm on on Monday March 30 the same man allegedly returned to the store accompanied by another person.

"This time the man threatened a staff member and demanded they hand over money from the till. When they refused the offender assaulted them with a metal pole before leaving the store empty-handed.

"Officers would like to speak to the man pictured and are asking him or anyone who recognises him to get in touch. Alternatively, anyone with information about these incidents can call is on 101 using incident number 20000169995."