ARMED robbers wielding a lump hammer and a sickle fled empty handed from a shop when the 65-year-old owner chased them out of his store.

Pensioner Tony Mitchell, who owns Stars n Jars in Hunts Hill, Glemsford, fought back when one of the balaclava clad raiders struck his shop assistant with the hammer and demanded keys to the shop’s safe.

Mr Mitchell, who was just opening the newsagents and convenience store at 6am this morning, said he was about to make some tea when the raiders burst in.

After chasing them out of his shop with a 10ft metal pole the raiders fled in a blue and grey Diahatsu Fourtrack driven by a third man wearing a balaclava.

The car, which was stolen from Tiptree in Essex, was later found abandoned off the Pentlow Road near Foxearth.

Police are appealing for information on the two men who burst into the shop. One is in his 40’s the other around 50. Both were white, wearing black clothes and balaclavas.

Anyone with information should call Babergh CID on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.