POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two men robbed a store in Cricklewood and held a shopkeeper at knife point.

The victim said he was behind the counter at Food and Wine in Claremont Road when the men came into the shop at around 10.45pm on Sunday March 20.

He was sprayed in the face with a blue powdery substance before the suspects jumped over the counter and grabbed him round the neck, forcing him to the ground.

The men grabbed cash from the till and made off towards Cricklewood Lane on a trial bike, a type of motorcycle.

Police arrived on scene and an ambulance crew who took the victim to a north London Hospital.

One suspect is described as a white male aged between 20 and 23-years-old and wearing dark hooded clothing.

The second wore black clothing but his face was covered.

DC Mark Wand from Barnet CID said: "This was a particularly frightening attack on the shopkeeper with threats of serious violence, a knife being used and the temporary blinding making this extremely harrowing for the victim.

“Anyone who saw the individuals commit the crime, or who noticed people of similar description perhaps acting suspiciously nearby, especially in connection with a trial bike would be of use to the investigation.”

Witnesses can contact police on 0300 123 1212 or call CrimeStoppers anonymously quoting reference 2406828/11.