A YOUNG shop assistant was beaten to the ground in a robbery at a newsagent's store at Westgate near Margate today. Police say the attack happened shortly after 6am when the 20-year-old assistant opened Forbuoys in Station Road for the day’s business.

A Thanet police spokeman said: “The victim was in a rear office, heard a noise in the shop and went to investigate. A man ran at him and knocked him to the ground. There was a struggle and the attacker forced the shop assistant into the office.

“A quantity of cash was taken after the safe was forced open. The robber ran off towards Ethelbert Square. His victim, who received facial injuries in the assault, raised the alarm at a nearby shop.”

The robber is said to be aged about 30. He was wearing a green, thigh-length wax jacket and a pair of blue gloves.