A SHOPKEEPER was cut defending himself against a balaclava-clad robber armed with a kitchen knife.

But the superficial wound on his hand did not need hospital treatment following the robbery at Blackamoor Stores, in Roman Road, Blackamoor, on Sunday at 7.40pm.

The robber, thought to be a teenager, burst into the shop and demanded cash from the till. He wielded the knife, threatening the shopkeeper, who would not give him what he wanted.

Police said there was a short struggle, which left the shopkeeper with the cut, before the robber fled stealing only a bottle of Tia Maria.

He ran away down Roman Road towards the graveyard.

Two customers were in the shop at the time and have given statements to police.

The shopkeeper is said to be shaken by the incident, but did not want to talk about the ordeal. Detective Constable Lyndsey Garnham, of Blackburn CID, appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

The robber is described as white, 5ft 4ins tall and slim. The shopkeeper could not be precise about the robber's age, but said his voice sounded like that of a youth.

Call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.