Two armed men burst into a chemists and violently pistol-whipped four people before escaping with cash last weekend.

The men struck at around 4.40pm on Saturday, December 2, at Superdrug in St John's Road, Battersea.

One of the robbers went around the store randomly hitting victims on the head with the butt of a white, six-inch barrelled pistol leaving some of his victims with gashes so deep they needed hospital treatment.

The pair then pulled eight people, mostly staff members, into a back room. According to the police, one man was picked at random and forced to open the safe at gunpoint and a substantial' amount of cash was taken.

They then led him back to the others, stripped them and bound them up with masking tape before taking their personal possessions, including mobile phones and jewellery.

As the robbers were unable to lock the door, they threatened to kill anyone who tried to leave. They also grabbed CCTV tapes before making off with the cash and personal belongings.

The first man is described as 26, 6ft, black and heavily built. He spoke with a Jamaican accent and had stubble on his face.

He was wearing a grey woolly hat, black leather jacket, baggy trousers and Nike trainers.

The second man is about 22, 5ft 5ins, thin and black. His Jamaican accent is believed to be false and he was wearing navy blue trousers and black Reebok Classic trainers.

A Flying Squad spokesman said the victims were left severely shocked after their ordeal.

He added: "This attack seems excessively violent what they did to these people is the equivalent of ABH. Three had to be taken to hospital and one was kept in overnight for observation.

"We would urge anyone who knows anything to come forward."

If you have any information regarding this incident, phone 020 8247 7931.

December 5, 2001 16:30