A hard-working shop owner is to sell his business after he was battered and bruised in a terrifying robbery.

Umakant Maisuria, 59, had his £1,600 bank holiday takings pulled from his pockets and was punched and repeatedly kicked during the vicious attack.

He was kept in hospital overnight and has now vowed to pack in his business after 30 years because of fears for the safety of his family.

Detectives condemned the attack as “a cowardly display of violence.”

Mr Mausiria, who runs Delph Hill newsagent and off-licence in Woodside Road, Delph Hill, Wyke , Bradford, with his wife Manjula, had locked up his shop at 9pm and made the two-minute drive to his home in Hudson View, Wyke, when the robbery occurred.

He said: “I parked on my drive and was locking the car doors when somebody shouted my name. I turned round and I was punched on the nose and went down.

“He started kicking me while I was on the ground and then a second person ran up and joined in. I was on the floor trying to protect my face with my arms. Then one of them went through my pockets and stole my takings.

“They still kept kicking me after they had taken my money. They didn’t say anything.”

Mr Mausiria said a neighbour saw what was happening, shouted and ran over, and the attackers fled to a waiting silver Ford Focus car and drove off.

“I was upset and shocked by what happened. I was in a lot of pain at the time and my chest is still hurting.

“I am scared, and my wife and children all want me to pack it in. I started the business nearly 30 years ago and I have worked all the hours God sends, 7am to 9pm seven days a week.

“It is really distressing, but I am going to put the shop on the market. The safety of myself and my family have to come first.”

Mr Mausiria urged anyone who knew who was responsible for the attack, which happened on Monday, August 27, to tell police.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson, of Bradford South CID, said: “It is imperative that we find those responsible as soon as possible and bring them to justice.”

The two suspects were white, of medium build, and had short hair. One was wearing chequed shorts.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, should contact Bradford South CID on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.