A New Cross shopkeeper was left permanently scarred after being shot repeatedly with a BB gun during an attempted robbery.

A man, approximately 40, entered the shop on New Cross road shortly after midnight on February 24, armed with an air-powered weapon.

After his demands for cash were not met, he shot repeatedly at the shopkeeper’s body and head.

The victim self-presented at a south London hospital, where he underwent surgery to remove two pellets from his body. He has been left with permanent scarring.

The suspect escaped with no money.

He is described as a white male, approximately 40 years of age, with a London accent and wearing a patterned face mask.

Detective Constable Claudine Manning, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in or around the New Cross Road area at around midnight on 24 February - do you recall seeing the man pictured above?

“The victim of this incident suffered a terrifying ordeal.

"We remain committed to finding the man responsible and holding him accountable for his actions.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 638/24Feb.

Alternatively, you can leave information anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111