A SHOPKEEPER was shot with a pellet gun up to six times as he tried to fight off masked raiders at his off-licence.

Neighbours, family and friends said the incident involving shopkeeper Babar Naseem, 40, a father-of-one who lives in Colne Road, Burnley, had sent shockwaves through the community.

Mr Naseem is thought to have been alone in the Oasis off-licence, in Halifax Road, Brierfield, when two men entered at about 10pm on Saturday.

Police said the men demanded cash and threatened Mr Naseem with what appeared to be a small silver pistol.

A quantity of cash was handed to the robbers but they then began demanding cigarettes and phone cards.

When Mr Naseem refused, they shot him in the hand.

Realising the gun was not a real pistol, he then tackled the men.

He was shot up to five more times during the struggle and was yesterday receiving treatment at Burnley General Hospital to remove pellets from his flesh.

Police said they believed his injuries were not likely to be life-threatening, but warned the shots could easily kill someone.

Det Insp Stuart Barlow said: "This is very serious. These men have not only pointed a gun at someone, they have discharged it and shot him up to six times.

"Each one of these shots could have been fatal. As far as I'm concerned this is as bad as it comes. I would appeal to anyone who was in the Halifax Road area at about 10pm to get in touch."

Shopkeeper Raz Ahmed, whose family grocery store is opposite Oasis, said Mr Naseem, who also owns the Prairie off-licence in Colne Road, Burnley, was well-regarded among the local community. He added: "Everyone in the whole community is really shocked and devastated at what has happened. We have never had anything like this around here before.

"Babar is a lovely man and I feel terrified because I could be next. The police need to lock up the people who did this and get them off the streets."

Family friend Shafiq Ahmed said Mr Naseem's wife Rehana was in shock and had been very distressed by the incident.

He added: "Everyone has been very upset by what happened.

"There have never been any problems before at either of the two shops. I think there must be problems in Brierfield for this to happen."

The two robbers were described as Asian males, both wearing black jackets and balaclavas.

One was said to be about 5ft 6in and aged between 20 and 22, the other was thought to be about 5ft 10in and aged 22 to 23.

Anyone with information should call Nelson CID on 01282 472645 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.