A COMMUNITY has been urged to help police catch a violent robber who repeatedly stabbed a Bradford shopkeeper in the head.

The 48-year-old owner of Fagley News in Fagley Road, Fagley, was also punched in the face by the hooded attacker who burst into the shop and kicked open the security door to the counter.

He used a pocket knife to carry out the attack while the shopkeeper tried to defend himself with a baseball bat.

The robber was fought off as he tried to get to the till and ran empty-handed out of the shop and along Fagley Terrace.

The shopkeeper, who has not been named, needed hospital treatment to the cuts to his head.

The incident took place at about 8pm on Wednesday, March 16, and police have now released this CCTV image of the robbery.

The robber was described as being aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 11ins tall and slim.

He wore a shiny black hooded padded coat which was possibly made by Berghaus. It had a red or orange pull-cord on the back of the hood along with a logo.

He also wore black jogging bottoms with a white emblem at the top of the left leg and black footwear. His face was covered up to the nose by a scarf.

Detective Inspector Paula Bickerdike, of Bradford District CID, said: "This was a particularly nasty and violent attack which left the victim with a number of injuries to his head and face and very badly traumatised.

"It could very easily have resulted in more serious injuries to the victim and we urgently need to identify the person responsible.

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw the suspect running off or who thinks they recognise the description, particularly the coat, and may know who was involved."

Yesterday a member of staff at the store told the Telegraph & Argus that the shopkeeper involved in the incident was recovering from his injuries at home.

Ward councillor Geoff Reid (Lib Dem, Eccleshill) said: "This is a very frightening thing to happen.

"This shop offers an important service and I hope that will prompt people who have any information to come forward. I know there can be resistance from people to getting involved, but people need to realise an incident like this is not good for the area."

Anyone with information should contact PC 4685 Clare Moran at Trafalgar House police station in Bradford quoting crime number 13160116049 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.