CALLOUS thieves attacked a shopkeeper before fleeing the scene with a crate of lager.

The trio pounced on Cans Local, in George Street, Paisley, on Thursday night, leaving the 65-year-old victim with cuts to his hand.

Detectives investigating the incident say two men entered the shop at around 7.40pm.

As one of the men tried to distract the shopkeeper, the other attempted to steal a bottle of wine.

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However, the shopkeeper spotted the crook and was able to wrestle back the item before the pair fled the store.

The respite wasn't for long, however, as the duo soon returned and attacked the victim, throwing a number of punches to his body.

As the pair fled the scene with a crate of Tennent's, worth £11, a woman who was with them threw a glass bottle into the shop.

The victim did not need hospital treatment but was left shaken by the incident.

Police are now trying to trace the trio and have been examining CCTV footage taken at the scene.

One of the thugs was wearing a red jacket and navy tracksuit trousers, while his accomplice was wearing a bright blue jacket, also with navy tracksuit trousers.

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The woman is described as having long, blonde hair which was messy and tied in a bun. She was wearing a green jacket and blue trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.