ARMED robbers pistol-whipped a shop worker as they targeted a newsagent.

Two suspects entered Sweet Newsagents in Westow Hill, Crystal Palace at 5.30pm on May 10.

They threatened a female member of staff with a small black handgun, but she was unable to open the till.

Members of the public in the shop alerted a second woman in another part of the shop to what was taking place.

As she came forward, the first suspect struck her on the head with the gun.

After she had opened the till, they grabbed a large amount of notes and a jar of change from the counter and ran out of the shop.

The victim did not need hospital treatment.

The suspects are reported to have run along Westow Hill, into Crown Dale and the Central Hill Estate.

They are described as two young black men, thought to be in their early teens.

Both wore dark clothing and covered the lower parts of their faces.

The incident is being investigated by the Met's Flying Squad, based at Tower Bridge.

If you have any information, call 020 7232 6530, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.