A SIXTY-year old shopkeeper was pistol whipped in a brutal Bexleyheath New Year’s Eve gang robbery.

At around 10.30pm on December 31 approximately five men entered the Trade Fireworks store in Pickford Lane and demanded cash.

One of the men produced a black handgun which he used to pistol whip a shop worker.

After stealing a quantity of cash the suspects left the store and ran off in the direction of Oldfield Road.

The shopkeeper was treated in hospital for a head injury and later released.

Detective Sergeant Scott Chimes of the Met Flying Squad, said: "I am appealing to local people in particular who may have been in the area at the time of the robbery and may have witnessed the incident, or seen the suspects running towards Oldfield Road, to contact the police.”

The suspects are all described as black men who were approximately 18 years old. They were wearing dark clothing and hooded jackets.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 020 8345 4226 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.