A SHOPKEEPER was beaten senseless during an attempted robbery at his store.

Father-of-four David Basrai suffered a fractured skull and suspected broken jaw when intruders beat him about the head with a weapon at his business in Washington, on Wearside.

The 48-year-old was locking up his shop, the Oxclose Convenience Store, in Oxclose Village Centre, just after 10.30pm on Friday when he was attacked by two men.

Three days later, he remains in hospital in a stable condition.

The victim’s wife, 46-year-old Karan Basrai, said: "He was left unconscious and covered in blood. He was left to die.

"It could have been a murder scene".

Police believe the men, who wore scarves round their faces during the attack, left empty-handed.

They are described as being in their late 20s or early 30s and spoke with local accents.

Detective Sergeant Neil Wynd, who is investigating the incident, said: "We're releasing these photographs to show the severity of the victim's injuries in the hope it will encourage someone to come forward with information about this crime.

"This was a nasty attack that has left the victim in hospital suffering serious injuries and we're determined to find whoever is responsible.

"No matter how insignificant people think the information they have is we'd urge them to contact police."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043 ext 69191 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.