Appeal following violent store robbery

Metropolitan Police  Flying Squad detectives have released CCTV footage of two men they wish to trace over the robbery of a Brixton convenience store.

During the robbery member of staff was shot in the face with what is believed to be a high-powered pellet gun.

The offence happened at around 20:35 on Sunday, 25 October at the Phambra Foodstore, Lyham Road.

Two men entered the store; one was holding what looked like a handgun – now believed to be a high powered pellet gun.

This man fired the gun into the face of a 44-year-old man working behind the counter. The victim was struck in the face and eyes by a series of ball bearing-like pellets.

Meanwhile the second robber leant over the counter and stole the cash register.

Both suspects then ran off on foot holding the register, heading north on Lyham Road towards Thornbury Road.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for numerous wounds to his face. Some of the pellets lodged in his eyes and he will require further surgery to remove the pellets and save his sight.

The suspects are both described as men in their twenties and of medium build.

Detective Constable Ben Turner of the Flying Squad, said: “This was a vicious attack that could have left a man blinded. We desperately want to find the men responsible for this crime. They used gratuitous violence to carry out this robbery and are clearly dangerous. I would ask anyone with information to come forward and help us catch these dangerous, violent men.”

Local residents have set up a crowdfund appeal for the shopkeeper.