SCHOOLBOY Zarak Khan tackled three masked robbers - one wielding a meat cleaver - who burst into his father's shop.

Zarak, a 15-year-old pupil at Barden High School, chased off all three raiders even though he suffered a cut to his arm.

Back at school today, Zarak, said: "I panicked when they came in like that. At first I thought it was a joke or a prank but one started hitting me with a meat cleaver or butcher's knife.

I was frightened but I decided I must do something.

"I struggled and managed to punch one of them on the chin. Then I picked up a stick and chased them out. Another man came and he chased them but they got away.''

He added: "I was just determined that they should not rob the takings from the till. I did not want them to get away with it.''

Zarak was looking after the general grocers store in New Hall Street, Burnley, for just a short time while his father, Mushrafat Khan, went to pick up goods from the cash and carry. At 8.20pm three men wearing blue balaclava masks burst burst into the shop demanding money.

One guarded the door while another tried to take the till and the third confronted the teenager.

Brave Zarak fought back and forced all three back out into the street.

His dad said: "He is a big boy and was very brave taking on all three of them like that especially when one of them had a big knife. I am very proud of him.''

The three offenders ran off empty-handed.

Det Sgt Peter McKendrick said: "The boy was very plucky indeed to take them on like that.''

All three would-be robbers were of Asian appearance.

All were wearing dark blue balaclavas and dark clothing. One of them was in a bomber jacket.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282-425001.

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