A PETROL station worker was stabbed multiple times during a robbery - the second time the station had been targeted in just over a year.

Two men, armed with a claw hammer and a knife, stormed the back door of the Esso service station at Charminster Road late on Monday night.

CCTV footage of the incident has been released by police, showing one of the attackers holding a knife to the victim’s throat.

The victim suffered injuries to his chest, back and armpit in the attack. He was taken to Poole hospital for treatment but his condition is not life-threatening.

A small quantity of cash was taken in the raid and police are searching for the robbers.

Officers were called at 11.25pm after the men - who demanded money from the staff member - fled the scene.

It was the second attack on the garage in just over a year after a man armed with a hand gun threatened staff there in January 2016.

A full search was made of the area following Monday’s incident but no arrests have yet been made.

The first offender wore a black shiny quilted jacket and black jogging bottoms. The second wore a waterproof jacket with grey across the shoulders and grey arms down to the sleeves and smart shoes.

Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of Bournemouth CID, said: “A full investigation is underway to find the two men responsible for this incident.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area of Charminster Road at the relevant time to please contact Dorset Police urgently.”

Resident Lisa Harrison told the Daily Echo: “I was at home and, at around midnight, I heard lots of car doors. I looked out and there were a lot of police cars and two armed police. A man was taken into an ambulance to receive treatment and then taken to hospital.

“The police were searching the whole area. Then about an hour later they drove around for a bit then left leaving one police car with two officers at the garage.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: “At times I have to work late at night. I wonder how safe I am coming back. It’s really scary.”