A ROBBER threatened staff with a "handgun" during a foiled raid on a Blackburn bookmakers.

The incident, just before 6pm yesterday, left counter staff and a customer at William Hill Bookmakers, Intack, badly shaken.

Nobody was hurt in the incident and the suspect did not get away with any cash as staff were protected by a glass screen.

Police today appealed for rush-hour motorists who may have seen the robber leave the shop to come forward.

Inspector Stuart Bruce, of Blackburn Police, said: "We got a call at just before six o' clock to say an armed robbery was occurring at William Hill on Accrington Road.

"That call was quickly followed by another call from another branch of William Hill, confirming the story but informing us that no property was stolen, no one was hurt and no firearm was discharged.

"A male went into the premises and threatened staff with what is believed to be a handgun.

"The staff stepped back from the glass screen at the counter and the male left empty handed.

"Our inquiries are focusing on the staff at the shop and the customer who was in the shop at the time but we have also carried out inquiries at shops and homes in the vicinity.

"It was dark and the person left the shop quickly so there are a number of things we are still trying to ascertain.

"However, it was a busy time for traffic at a major junction so we appealing to anybody with any information or who was in the Intack area at the time and saw anything suspicious to contact police."

The suspect was dressed all in black with a black scarf wrapped around his head and spoke with a local accent.

Anybody with information should call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569.