Hertfordshire police have appealed for information after a St Albans shop owner was hit with a hammer, during a theft.

The incident took place at around 12.36pm on Sunday (March 19), when two masked individuals enterred Spencer Street's 'Fone City'.

Upon entering the premises, one of the men grabbed the business owner Muhammed Fahad.

As Muhammed reached for his phone, he was struck multiple times on the hand with a hammer.

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As he gave up his mobile, the intruders began to take phones from Muhammed's store.

                                                                                   

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The business owner told The Herts Advertiser: "Two black guys came inside. They were young, aged 20 to 25.

"One of the guys ran to the counter, and he tried to grab me.

"We were pushing each other, one of the guys said 'stay away, don't do anything'.

"'We don't want to harm you but we will. We're just here to collect the phones'.

"Then they start hammering on my hand, one of the guys.

"Then they said (as I reached for my phone) 'if you do not stop that, we will kill you', something like that.

"So I gave up then, I gave my phone, everything."

According to Hertfordshire Constabulary, 10 phones were taken from the business.

Police also confirmed that Muhammed had suffered "minor hand injuries" which did not require hospital treatment.

Muhammed has provided videos showing the front of his store before and after the incident.

Herts Advertiser: The front of Fone City prior to the incident.The front of Fone City prior to the incident. (Image: Muhammed Fahad)

Detective Sergeant Mark Chipchase said: "We are carrying out enquiries into the incident, which was a frightening ordeal for the shop staff.

"It took place in the middle of the day and so we are asking for any witnesses or anyone with information about it to get in touch.”

Information can be reported online at herts.police.uk/report, or by calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/22597/23.

Anonymous information can be given by contacting the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.