A shopkeeper was stabbed and beaten in a brutal robbery last night.

The terrified woman was attacked at the Friends Food Store, in Devonshire Street, Keighley.

The raider burst into the shop at about 8.10pm.

He is believed to have stolen a quantity of cash before fleeing on foot.

Police say when they arrived at the scene, they discovered the woman – who is in her 40s – with stab wounds and a head injury.

She was taken to Leeds General Infirmary.

Her injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The suspect is described as white and is believed to be in his mid to late 30s. He was wearing a hooded top.

The shop was closed and a police officer was guarding the scene this morning.

Back Cartmel Road was taped off.

The community has reacted with shock to the incident.

Keighley Central district councillor Abid Hussain, who lives further down Devonshire Street, said he was told about the incident at 10pm.

He said: “The shop is at the top of my street. There were a lot of police officers there last night and the road was closed.

“Police are coming from Wakefield this morning, and they’ll be going from door to door to see if anyone saw anything.

“Young men started arguing with police last night. I said they should let the police do their work. My message to the community is to calm down and let the police do their job.

“It’s shocking news for the community. People say she is a lovely lady, very nice, a good attitude with the customers. She knows all the local customers.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting log 1723 of 7 March.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.