AN ARMED man attacked and wounded a shop keeper in a daylight raid on a Kendal newsagent, writes Justin Hawkins.

Mark Cleasby, manager of the newsagents on Green Road, suffered serious injuries to his hands when the man attacked him with a nine-inch kitchen knife during the raid on Saturday.

The man walked into the shop wearing a mask at around 7pm.

He closed the door and locked it,

trapping the young female shop assistant inside.

He then pulled out a large kitchen knife and brandished it at the girl.

He stole cash from the till before forcing her into the back room to fill a bag with cigarettes.

But the girl managed to escape through the back door to call the police.

Shop manager Mark Cleasby, who arrived on the premises during the raid, confronted the man.

In the

struggle Mr Cleasby suffered cuts to his hands.

He was taken to hospital Lancaster Royal Infirmary but was expected to be released yesterday (Tuesday).

The raider is described as male, between 20 and 30-years-old, wearing a pale-coloured top and blue jeans.

He is thought to have spoken with a

Liverpool accent.

Detective Constable Maurice Wright from Kendal CID described the incident as a "nasty attack" and said police were taking it very seriously.

Officers made house-to-house inquiries after the raid, but are still appealing to the public for more information.

DC Wright asked anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to call him at Kendal CID on 01539-722611.

DC Wright explained that even people who believe they have seen nothing significant could provide valuable clues and he is appealing for regular customers at the shop to get in touch.