A TALL, ginger haired, limping Irishman and a small Asian woman tried to rob a filling station in Burnley.

The pair tried to raid the Texaco service station in Colne Road at 11am yesterday.

They pushed past the male shop assistant and tried to open the door of the manager's office.

When that failed, they went back to the assistant and demanded cash.

The assistant activated the alarm but that did not deter the would-be robbers who tried to force open the cash drawer. When that also failed they left.

They crossed Colne Road and were last seen walking along Union Street.

The man is described as 6ft, of medium build, with ginger hair and of general scruffy appearance. He walked with a limp and spoke with a distinctive Irish accent. He was wearing white jeans and a dark coat.

The woman is described as Asian, 5ft 4-6ins tall, aged about 25 and with black hair tied back.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282 425001.

Two people are helping police with their inquiries.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.