A FEMALE shop worker was taken to hospital after being assaulted during the second robbery in less than four weeks at a Winsford newsagents.

The 50-year-old was attacked and forced to open a safe at McColls at Willow Square, Wharton at approximately 7.15am on Sunday, November 2.

Police spokesperson Shelly Williams said a man described as 5ft 7ins tall and of stocky build burst into the shop and leapt over a freezer before grabbing the woman and shoving her into a back room.

“He was dressed in dark clothing and concealing his face with a ski mask,” she said. “He entered the store and assaulted the female shop assistant. He then forced her into the back of the shop and instructed her to open the safe.”

She added: “The offender made off from the scene on foot with a quantity of cash.”

The shop assistant was treated for minor facial injuries at Leighton Hospital and released later the same day. Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any other information, to come forward.

It is the second time in a month the shop has been robbed, after two masked knifemen stole a large amount of cash during a raid on the night of October 7.

Two teenage boys, aged 14 and 16, were arrested in connection with the first offence, but were released on bail.