OFF-licences in Preston are being warned to be on the look out following an armed raid on Sunday.

A knifeman drew blood from the shop assistant's neck during a raid on the Drinks Cabin, New Hall Lane, Preston.

The thug approached her from behind as she stacked a shelf, grabbed her hair and held the10-inch blade against her neck as he carried out the raid, demanding her fellow assistant open the shop safe.

The raid took place around 8.30pm on Sunday. The robber made her colleague empty the till, and forced the women to open the shop safe.

He also took the shop's security video before leaving, when squealing tyres could be heard.

DC Steve Atherton believes that the knifeman had an accomplice waiting in a car.

He added: "We would advise all small off-licences to be wary of strangers following the attack.

"The two assistants described the man as very agitated and violent for the duration of the robbery.

"It is a very serious crime and they have both been left traumatised by it."

The robber is described as white, aged 30 to 35, 5ft 7ins tall and thin, with a thin pock-marked face and short, fair hair.

He was wearing a green fleece, faded jeans and spoke with a southern accent. His knife had a black handle.

DC Atherton continued: "We would like to speak to anyone who saw the incident, or the car which drove quickly away from the scene."

Anyone with information can call Preston CID on 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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