POLICE are hunting two armed robbers who raided a corner shop and stole the till after threatening a young female shop assistant.

Two men went into the Mulla corner shop in Norman Street, Blackburn, at about 7.15pm yesterday posing as customers.

One of the men bought a packet of cigarettes before demanding that the assistant handed over the contents of the till.

The 24-year-old woman, who was alone in the shop at the time, refused to hand over the cash and one of the men produced what she believed to be a hand gun.

The man then reached over the counter and pulled the till off the counter. Both men then ran from the scene on foot.

Police were called and the till was later recovered in Agnes Street minus £270 worth of cash and mobile phone cards.

Detective Sergeant Paul Murphy of Blackburn CID said: "It was a distressing attack on a young female shop assistant and we are appealing for anybody with information to get in contact with us."

The shop was locked up early today.

One of the robbers was described as white, 30-35 years, 6ft, broad build with blue eyes and stubble, wearing a black fleece with the hood pulled around his face. The second man was 30 years, wearing a dark coat.

Anybody with information should contact Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or crimestoppers on 0800 555111.