TWO robbers broke into a York off-licence and tied up its owner while threatening him at knifepoint.

The pair struck at the store in Monkton Road, in the Bell Farm area, as Hasan Komer was closing the security shutters at about 10.50pm on Wednesday.

They forced him into the shop and tied him up while brandishing a knife at him.

They took his wallet and mobile phone as well as the day’s takings from the store’s safe.

Mr Komer, who owns the off-licence, suffered a minor head injury and was taken to York Hospital for treatment after the alarm was raised.

A colleague at the store said Mr Komer had cuts and bruises to his forehead.

He said the attack happened as Mr Komer shut the store and went into a store room at the back. The intruders forced him inside and tied him up.

The colleague said Mr Komer managed to untie himself and phone the police.

Detectives have appealed for information to help them track down the two men, and officers are viewing CCTV footage from inside the store to try to identify the attackers.

Detective Sergeant Mandy Grundy, of York CID, said: “I am appealing to anybody in the local community who may have witnessed this incident to come forward as I need to speak to them as soon as possible.”

Police have so far been unable to issue a description of the robbers, and have been unable to confirm how much money was taken.

Anybody who saw the robbery or has any information which could help the investigation should phone either Det Sgt Grundy or Detective Constable Jennifer Cartwright at York CID on 0845 6060247, quoting reference 12110120882.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be phoned anonymously on 0800 555111.