THIS is the face of a man suspected of carrying out a brutal armed robbery at a shop.

Officers want to identify the man in this e-fit image in connection with the incident in Devonshire Street, Highfield, Keighley, at around 8pm on Tuesday, March 7. Kausar Ashraf, 46, was stabbed and beaten by the man while working behind the counter at Friends Food Store.

She suffered a head injury as well as stab wounds and the robber escaped with a sum of cash.

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

He is believed to have left the scene of the assault on foot, and headed towards Back Cartmel Road.

Detective inspector Alan Weekes, of Bradford District CID, said: “This was a savage and cowardly attack on a lone woman in a shop and we need to find the person responsible for this.

“Two men in their 30s have been arrested in connection with our continuing enquiries, but we are hoping that the release of this image may lead to more information coming forward.

“The victim has since been released from hospital and is continuing to recover from the injuries she suffered.

“Violent attacks like this are totally unacceptable and we would ask anyone who recognises this man to contact us.”

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13170106547.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Keighley’s town mayor, Cllr Shabir Ahmed, has offered his sympathy to Mrs Ashraf.

Keighley's town mayor has offered his sympathy to Mrs Ashraf.

Speaking during the latest full meeting of Keighley Town Council last Thursday, Cllr Shabir Ahmed, who also represents Highfield ward, said the robbery at Friends Food Store had been a "shocking" crime.

"I hope the shopkeeper makes a speedy recovery from this traumatic incident," he added.