THE BROTHER of a shopkeeper slashed across the face with a knife in a raid says the crime has left his family shaken.

Police are calling for witnesses after two masked men attacked and robbed 27-year-old Rupen Siva while holding his wife and a customer at knife point on Monday.

Mr Siva was behind the counter at West Dumpton Stores, West Dumpton when two masked men, one brandishing a knife, entered the shop at around 7.30pm.

One of the men, holding the knife, grabbed a customer in the shop while the other threatened Mr Siva and his wife.

Mr Siva was slashed in the face three times as he tried to defend his shop and family during the attack

He was taken to Thanet hospital where he has had to be treated by specialist plastic surgeons.

The two men escaped with £300 in cash and £200 worth of cigarettes.

Brother Raj Siva, 32, who is working at the shop while his brother is in hospital said: "The whole incident has left my brother and family feeling nervous. Nothing like this has happened before. We have had trouble but nothing this violent."

Detective Inspector Tracy Anstis of Kent Police, who is leading the inquiry, said: "This was a totally unprovoked attack and disturbing in the unusual degree of violence used. The three people in the store at the time have obviously been affected by this incident, both physically and mentally.

"We are asking for the community's help to catch these two men. The cigarettes stolen were Lambert and Butler 10s in silver packets and Blue JPS stamped with a 'special price' of £4.83. Does this mean something to you or do you know someone who has surprisingly come into money overnight? The smallest detail could make a big difference to our inquiry."

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01622 690690, quoting crime reference EY/017018/10, or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.