TERRIFIED garage staff were robbed at gunpoint by a man who ran off with the cash till.

The incident occurred in the forecourt of Syd Browns garage, Berry Lane, Longridge, at 10pm, yesterday.

Inspector Clive Cope of Blackburn Police said: "A male with what was described as a handgun entered the premises and he threatened the staff.

"He demanded that the till be handed over and he made off on foot with the till down Berry Lane."

The man has been described as Afro-Caribbean, medium build, around 5ft 7ins tall, wearing a jumper and jeans.

Insp Cope said: "It was thought that he was wearing sunglasses and a hat to disguise himself."

A member of staff, who did not give their name, said: "I believe they came in just before we were about to shut up, but I wasn't there at the time.

"We've never had anything like this happen before. Someone held a member of staff up 18 months ago with an iron bar but we've never had people with guns come in."

Paul Turner, manager of Martin's newsagents across the road, said: "There's never been a problem like this in this area.

"I've never heard of anything like this happening to the garage before."

Police are currently investigating the incident and are urging anyone who finds the till to contact them on 01254 51212, or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.