A boss has told how a "gentle old man" has been left devastated after armed robbers attacked him during a raid on a warehouse.
The 66-year-old man was working alone when raiders – one of whom was carrying an iron bar – struck at the Carpet Cuts warehouse in Coalville on Sunday afternoon and stole thousands of pounds.
Steven Price, who owns Carpet Cuts, said: "Two men came in the front door on Sunday and forced the member of staff, who was working alone, into the office.
"He was hit in the face. He is not sure if it was with the iron bar or a fist, but he was hit.
"They forced him to hand over the keys to the safe and made off with thousands of pounds."
Mr Price said the raid, which took place at about 3.30pm at the warehouse in Ravenstone Road, on the Oaks Industrial Estate, had left the staff member devastated.
He said: "This man has been with us for 25 years and is semi-retired.
"Everyone throughout the company knows and loves him, as do many of our regular customers.
"The man, who is a grandfather figure to many, is not back at work and may never come back because he has been so shaken by this experience.
"He is such a lovely man that it really upsets me to think of what these people have done to him.
"It was a very cowardly attack on a gentle old man."
He said the employee was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary to have his facial injury treated.
A police spokeswoman said they were hunting two, possibly three, raiders.
She said: "Two men entered the premises, threatened a member of staff and demanded money. The victim was assaulted before the suspects made off with cash. He sustained minor facial injuries which did require medical treatment.
"The incident may have involved up to three suspects.
"One of the suspects has been described as possibly being Asian, slim, in his early 20s, about 5ft 6in and wearing dark clothing.
"The suspects may have left the area in a dark vehicle."
Officers are appealing to anyone who was in the area of The Oaks Industrial Estate on Sunday afternoon to contact them as they may be able to assist with their inquiries.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Denise Reidy by calling 101.
Mr Price, who employs 10 staff at outlets in Coalville, Hinckley and Loughborough, also appealed for help in tracing the offenders.
He said: "These are obviously dangerous people who need to be caught as soon as possible."
