An elderly business couple were hit with an imitation gun during a terrifying raid at their Bradford shop today.

The couple needed hospital treatment after two masked men attacked them as they opened up for business.

Detectives condemned the attack, which happened at a newsagents’ shop in Southfield Lane, Great Horton, shortly before 7am.

The 67-year-old woman shopkeeper had just opened the shop and was behind the counter putting out newspapers when two masked men burst in.

The intruders, who were wearing dark clothing, pulled down the security shutter and produced a metal gun, which might have been a toy, which they used to strike her on the hands.

She screamed, and her 74-year-old husband came downstairs from their living quarters. A brief struggle took place during which he was hit on the head with the weapon.

The raiders, who are both believed to be Asian, then fled empty-handed.

Anyone who has any information about the suspects is urged to contact Bradford South CID, via 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.