A MASKED raider threw a collection box in the face of the retail assistant who had prevented him stealing the charity money off the counter of a Crewe shop.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attempted robbery, which took place at the Westside Convenience Store in Queen Street at 5.15pm on December 8.

The would-be thief entered the shop wearing a hooded top and a scarf pulled over his face. He approached the counter and leaned over trying to get at the till drawer.

But the 62-year-old woman behind the counter engaged the man in a struggle, preventing him from taking and cash.

The offender then tried to steal the charity box but it was chained to the counter.

He then threw it at the woman striking her in the face.

The offender is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall and of lean build.

He was wearing a dark coloured jacket with a hood, a knitted hat, black scarf and gloves.

DC Paul Douglas said: "The woman suffered minor injuries in her brave attempt to tackle the offender and was left shaken by her ordeal. She was treated by paramedics at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.

"We are following a number of lines of enquiry and would urge anyone who has information or saw suspicious activity in the area to contact police."

Anyone with information should contact DC Paul Douglas on 101, quoting incident number 653 of 8 December 2013.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.