A CHIP shop owner and his wife were punched and kicked to the floor during a late night robbery.

Wai Li and his wife Jenny were both working in the Chinese takeaway in Hurtley Street, Burnley, when they were attacked just before 11 last night.

Jenny was punched to the side of the face and her husband was kicked in the chest as the robber made his getaway.

She said today: "We are both recovering but still shocked and upset by what happened. We have been here for 15 years and nothing like this has happened before."

Detective Sergeant Peter Simm said the robber went into the takeaway and ordered curry. Mr Li went into the cooking area and the crook asked Mrs Li to change a 20p into two tens. She agreed and he jumped over the counter, stealing £35 from the till warning Mrs Li: "Don't come close".

Mr Li then ran out of the shop to get help. The robber pushed past Mrs Li punching her to the side of the face knocking her to the floor. Mr Li tried to hold the door shut to trap him inside until help came but the robber was managed to get out.

He then kicked out at Mr Li, also knocking him to the ground before running off towards Robinson Street.

The attacker is Asian, 5ft 8in, 22-28, with black, curly hair and a round face. He wore a green jumper over a blue and white striped collared shirt.

Mr Li was taken to hospital where he received treatment for injuries to his chest and wrists.

DS Simm said: "We are appealing for help from the community to find this individual. Anyone who can help is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282 472144."