A SHOP worker needed stitches after being attacked in an early morning raid.

Three men burst into the Premier Bulbul Express and Off Licence in Bennett Road, in the Charminster area of Bournemouth, at 6.20am on Sunday, while another man in a fluorescent top waited outside the premises.

They made off with cash after assaulting the 44-year-old employee, who sustained facial injuries during the robbery.

One of the thugs who entered the convenience store was described as white, of stocky build and average height and dressed in dark clothes.

Dorset police said the other three were described as black and about 5 foot 10 inches tall, and all wore dark-coloured hooded tops. It is believed they ran off down Bennett Road or Capstone Road.

Steve Harris owns the Spar shop opposite the Premier Bulbul Express.

Mr Harris said: “There was one police car outside when I arrived, then another came and another couple. They even sent a police forensics van and the shop was shut up until 2pm.

“I open later on a Sunday, so trust it to happen on the one day I’m not here. I might have been able to help, but who knows.

“I’ve been here more than 25 years and things like this are extremely rare.”

Officers conducting house-to-house enquiries asked Mr Harris if he had seen a BMW driving away.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious or has found any items in their garden to call 01202 22222.