The man, thought to be in his 30s, is said to have earlier knocked down a pensioner who had to go to hospital after she hit her head on the pavement.

The drama unfolded in Market Street, Hednesford, near Cannock, at around 1.30pm yesterday when a man walked into B&M asking if they sold 'butcher's knives'.

He then picked up a knife which he opened at the tills before 'throwing' his money at the cashier.

He walked from the store and cut his face with the knife in the street.

Armed police raced to the scene.

A spokesman said today that a man had been taken to University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.