A VILLAGE is in shock after a "horrible" violent robbery at a popular local shop, the latest incident in an ongoing crimewave.

The Fresh Approach newsagents and grocery store in Harden was targeted by two masked men who burst through the door shortly before closing time.

One of them punched the shopkeeper in the head, while the other grabbed the till and ripped it from its socket before they fled.

This crime follows a string of burglaries and also attacks on commercial vehicles in and around Harden.

Both robbers had their faces covered and were wearing gloves. The shopkeeper suffered bruises to the head, but was otherwise uninjured, said police who are appealing for information.

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Pardeep Singh works at the popular shop with the victim and told of their shock at the crime in such a hitherto quiet village.

"We have been here since April 1993 and never had any trouble.

"We've had two generations working here and have always felt very safe.

"Harden is a lovely place with great people and we know most of them," Mr Singh said.

Mollie Hannan, 80, has lived in Harden all her life, including once in a terrace house opposite the Fresh Approach.

"They are such nice lads, it so sad because the shop is part of the community," she said.

Jeff Hall, 71, a resident for 30 years, said: "It's a great shop, a bit like Arkwright's on the TV - Open All Hours.

"Whatever you need, you can always get it there. This is a nasty business and I feel sorry for them."

Harden parish council chairman Pam Laking said people would be taken aback by the robbery.

"This is horrible and I'm shocked and very sad this should happen to such nice people in such a beautiful and quiet village."

Ward Councillor Simon Cooke (Cons, Bingley Rural) said the robbery on Monday night came as part of what he called "a perfect storm of incidents."

"We've had some bad burglaries, attacks on commercial vehicles and now we've had this robbery.

"It's concerning and it must make a lot of people feel uncomfortable, but the police are taking all this very seriously and are increasing patrols.

"I hope everyone rallies round this shop as it provides a really valuable service to the community."

Police confirmed extra patrols are operating in the area and detectives are are appealing for any information surrounding the robbery which occurred at 8.40pm, twenty minutes before the shop was due to close.

One robber described as being about 5ft 9ins tall, wearing dark clothing and a hooded top which had fur around it.

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact DC 3685 Bolton at Bradford District CID on 101, or report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.