A charity shop manageress was attacked by an armed robber as she prepared to lock-up the premises.

The 39-year-old woman was pushed to the floor by the assailant, who was wielding a scissors-type implement.

The attacker fled with the woman's handbag and a collecting box, which he had managed to detach from a chain securing it to the till.

His victim suffered bruising to an arm and was badly shaken. The incident happened at the Sue Ryder shop in Bridgehouse Lane, Haworth, shortly after 5pm on Monday.

Police have described the attack as "despicable", and are appealing for information.

Detective Inspector Trevor Gasson, of Keighley CID, said: "This was a particularly nasty crime in which a great deal of aggression was shown by the suspect. It was made all the worse by the fact that it was a charity shop involved. The assailant first rifled the till but there was nothing in it, so he took the collecting box and the manageress's handbag.

"We are determined to do all we can to find the person responsible.

"This incident took place at a busy time of day, when there would be a lot of people about. We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen something suspicious, or has information which could help us."

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 10, aged about 19, of slim build with a long thin slightly pointed nose and mousey brown straight but scruffy hair. He was wearing a pale beige sweatshirt and grey jeans.

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Alison Martin on 01535 617083 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.