A large amount of cash was stolen and a member of staff assaulted after a newsagent's in St Albans was robbed this morning.

Two men forced their way into Martin’s Newsagents in Beech Road at around 5.40am.

A member of staff who was present at the time was assaulted and the offenders stole a large quantity of cash.

The member of staff, a man in his 20s, received minor injuries and was taken to Hemel Hempstead hospital.

The first man is described as being black, of stocky build and around 6ft tall. He was wearing black clothing, including gloves and a balaclava.

The second man is described as being of stocky build and approximately 6ft tall. He was also wearing black clothing, including gloves and a balaclava.

Marker A shows Martin's Newsagents in Beech Road

Detective Constable Stuart Bence from the St Albans Local Crime Unit is investigating and said: “Thankfully the member of staff was not more seriously injured but was left understandably shaken. I’d like to identify the people responsible as soon as possible.

“I would urge anyone who remembers seeing anything unusual or suspicious in the area at the stated time to contact me straight away. Any information, however seemingly insignificant, could prove very useful to my investigation.”

Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to contact DC Bence via Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101.