DETECTIVES are trying to find two men after a violent shop robbery.

Andrew Christopher Tomlinson, 32, who uses the name Chris, is being sought by officers in relation to the incident which happened on November 14 at around 7:50pm at a store on Turpin Green Lane in Leyland.

Police also want to trace Nathan Nicholas, 23.

The shopkeeper suffered cuts to his hands after trying to grab two knives being held by one of the two offenders and was hit over the head with a hammer.

Tomlinson – who has links to Accrington, Leyland, Chorley, Preston and Wigan – is also wanted on recall to prison after failing to return to his registered address in Aigburth, Liverpool last month as per his licence conditions.

Nicholas is also wanted on recall to prison and has links to Preston, Accrington and Blackburn.

DS Ian Derbyshire from Chorley CID said: “This was an extremely traumatic incident for the shopkeeper with offenders who were clearly prepared to use violence and weapons.

“We would urge the public not to approach Tomlinson or Nicholas if they see them but to contact the police. If you have seen either of them, or know where they may be, please get in touch with us immediately.

“Similarly, if Tomlinson or Nicholas see this appeal I would urge them to attend the nearest police station to talk to us before they makes matters worse for themselves as we will find them in the end.

“It may be that these two, who may or may not be together, are getting help to avoid the police and I would urge anyone who may be assisting them to do the right thing and contact the police. Anyone who helps someone to avoid the police could face serious consequences themselves.”

Tomlinson is described as white, of slim build, around 5ft 9ins tall, with brown eyes and dark brown hair.

Nicholas is described as white, chubby build, 5ft 10ins-6ft tall.

Anyone with information should call us on 01257 246190 or if they fail to get an answer, 101, quoting incident reference 1478 of November 14th.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org