UPDATED: Masked man hits shop worker with gun during 'traumatic' robbery in Leeds

A masked man carrying a gun assaulted a shop worker during a "traumatic" robbery in Leeds.
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The man targeted Logan Stores, in Otley Old Road, Ireland Wood, at 8.25pm last night (Tuesday) in the fourth armed robbery in the area less than a week.

He demanded cash before hitting the man who was working in the shop over the head with the handgun during a struggle.

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The shop worker was taken to hospital but has now been released.

Robbers have struck at Horsforth, Tinshill and Ireland Wood, and police have said they could be connected.

David Hawkin, owner of W.A. Hawkin & Sons Pharmacy, next door to the latest shop to be targeted, told the YEP: "There has been a spate of them in the last two or three weeks, there was one just around the corner."They have not done it in the day time but it seems to be more than a coincidence. It depends what they were after, whether it was money or something else."It's never good to have these happening on your door step."

He said the man hurt in the robbery last night was the owner of the shop.

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Mr Hawkin added: "The owner of the business is back at the shop now. "I think he has some bruises, it was obviously quite a traumatic experience."

Police are now appealing for information about the latest robbery, and said patrols have been increased in the area.

Detective Inspector Phil Jackson, of Leeds District CID, said: "This was clearly a very distressing experience for the shopkeeper to be confronted by a man armed with appeared to be handgun and then to be violently attacked when he fought back.

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"We are continuing to carry out enquiries into the incident today and would like to hear from anyone who saw the suspect or anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity or who has any information that could assist the investigation.

"We are obviously aware of other recent robberies at shops in the area and will be looking to see if there are any links to this incident. Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have been briefed and will be mounting additional patrols in the area to reassure the community and deter any further offences."

The suspect, who fled empty handed, was described as slim, about 5ft 5ins to 5ft 8ins tall, dressed in black with his face covered.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime number 13160712543 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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