A SHOP assistant was threatened by armed robbers and punched in the face in Amersham this morning.

Two men dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas went into the One Stop store in White Lion Road at about 6.40am when a member of staff was opening the shop.

One of the men was armed with a knife.

They threatened the employee and forced him to open a safe, before one of them punched him in the face.

The men fled the store with a large quantity of money and it is believed they got into a car, which was waiting outside with possibly a third offender in the driving seat.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Kerry Bradfield said: “The victim suffered a head injury but thankfully he did not need hospital treatment.

“We believe the car the offenders were in was parked at an odd angle outside the store at the time the robbery was taking place, so we are appealing for anyone who saw the car or anyone acting suspiciously around the store to come forward.”

If you can help call Det Sgt Bradfield via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101 or call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.