A SHOP worker ended up in hospital last night after hooded robbers raided a convenience store.

Then, just four hours later, a gang of masked burglars broke into the same shop but ran away when they set off the alarm.

Police say at about 9.45pm on Tuesday two males wearing hooded tops walked into the Co-op in Kelsey Road, Salisbury, and demanded money from the till.

The man behind the counter was assaulted and one male managed to take some cash from the till; both males then left the store.

The victim suffered bruising to his face and hand and was taken to Salisbury District Hospital for treatment.

The first man is described as  white, slim, 6" 2' tall, wearing a burgundy puffa style coat and dark blue jeans.

And the second is described as white, 5' 8" tall with a dirty face, wearing a dark blue coat and dark blue jeans.

Then just before 1am today (Wednesday), the same shop was targeted by five males in balaclavas who forced their way into the store.

The alarm was activated and the males ran off.

It's not clear at this stage if anything was taken.

Det Sgt Jim Stannard said: "We would like to hear from anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious in this area and around this shop - either yesterday evening when the two suspects took the cash or early this morning when the group of men broke into the building."

Anyone with information call Salisbury CID on 101 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.