GUN and knife wielding robbers stole £300 from a store, then punched the shopkeeper in the face.

Three men with their faces covered entered D P Superstores in Denham Parade last night, police said.

One had a handgun, another a knife.

They leant over the counter, stealing the cash and three or four packets of cigarettes, before leaving on foot towards Uxbridge.

The shopkeeper, a man in his fifties, was punched in the face during the robbery. He did not require hospital treatment.

One of the men was about 5ft 6ins, the other two about 5ft 4ins. They all spoke with local accents and were wearing black or dark clothing with dark woollen gloves.

Det Insp Sharon Hill, investigating the incident, said: “This was a cowardly and unprovoked attack on a man who has lived and worked in the community for many years.

“We are keen to trace the men responsible as soon as possible and would urge anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area at the time or has any information about the robbery to contact us.”

Anyone with any information should contact Det Sgt Daniel Collett via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on the new non-emergency number, 101. If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.