The Met Police has released CCTV footage of a convenience store robbery in Brixton that saw a member of staff shot in the face with what is believed to be a high-powered pellet gun.

Detectives from the Met's Flying Squad are investigating after two men robbed the Phambra Foodstore on Lyham Road. The offence happened around 8.35pm on Sunday 25 October.

Two men entered the store, one holding what looked like a handgun – now believed to be a high-powered pellet gun. This man fired the gun into the face of a 44-year-old man working behind the counter. The victim was struck in the face and eyes by ball bearing-like pellets.

Meanwhile, the second robber leant over the counter and stole the cash register. Both suspects then ran off on foot holding the register, heading north on Lyham Road towards Thornbury Road.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for numerous wounds to his face. Some of the pellets lodged in his eyes and he will require further surgery to remove them and save his sight. The suspects are both described as males in their 20s and of medium build.

Detective Constable Ben Turner, of the Met's Flying Squad, said: "This was a vicious attack that could have left a man blinded. We desperately want to find the men responsible for this crime. They used gratuitous violence to carry out this robbery and are clearly dangerous. I would ask anyone with information to come forward and help us catch these dangerous, violent men."

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