SCARVES over their faces, a large-bladed knife clearly visible - these are the shocking pictures that show how raiders brought terror to a York store, but were beaten back.

The pictures, above, are taken from CCTV video footage at Semarks newsagents, showing the violent scenes when the youths attacked the store last Thursday.

The robbers went into the store demanding cash at 7am, but brave shopkeeper Helen Semark grabbed a wooden pole and used it to beat them away.

The video footage shows a large-bladed knife held by one of the raiders, who both wear hats and scarves so their faces cannot be seen.

Then 53-year-old Helen reaches for a wooden pole normally used to open and close the shop windows' metal shutters, and uses it to grapple with her attackers.

One of them makes an attempt on the till by climbing on the counter, but determined Helen - shouting angrily at the youths - manages to use her pole to chase them away.

She said afterwards she had not realised the youths had been brandishing knives until she saw this CCTV footage.

Now police are urging shopkeepers to be more vigilant in the wake of the shocking attack.

As reported in yesterday's Evening Press, they also want to know if anyone can help them identify the youths, one of whom is heard to call the other "Lee".

DC Craig Wilson, from York CID, said: "Although these two got away with nothing from this attempted robbery, we would urge small shop keepers to be more vigilant than normal, especially at opening and closing times, and if they see anything suspicious to ring the police. There is a concern that we need to catch them (the robbers) sooner rather than later."

Helen said the horrifying attack had left her too afraid to open up the shop when she was alone.

She said: "I won't open the door when I'm on my own now. If Kevin's upstairs, then customers will have to ring the bell, and I'll wait until he gets here. That way, they'll have to deal with both of us next time."

Anyone with any information on the robbery is asked to phone police on 0845 6060247.

Updated: 09:43 Wednesday, January 18, 2006