A STORE boss was stabbed when he was ambushed by two knife-wielding thugs only yards from his home.

The 32-year-old Asian shop manager was stabbed twice in the hand as he tried to hold on to a cash bag.

The thugs escaped with the bag - which contained £1,500 - after the terrified man was forced to release his grip on his shop's takings.

The manager, who has not been identified, was taken to Bolton Royal Infirmary with deep cuts to his hands. He was released after treatment.

Detectives were today hunting the two Asian robbers who struck at 6pm on Saturday.

The manager was walking along Beaconsfield Street when he was confronted by the thugs 50 yards from his home.

He was punched to the ground and kicked when he refused to release his grip on the cash bag before one of the thugs stabbed him twice.

One of the men is aged 19 to 20, 5ft 5ins tall with black hair and dark skin. He was wearing a black coat. The second is about 20 and 5ft 7ins tall.

Anyone who saw the robbery or can help police is asked to contact Bolton Central CID, tel: Bolton 522466.

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