A MASKED robber sprayed an irritant into the face of Burnley newsagent Steve Howarth early today.
Mr Howarth, 32, was making himself a cup of tea at about 6.30am when he heard someone enter the Briercliffe Road shop.
When he went into the front he was confronted by a man wearing a black balaclava mask and a camouflage jacket with his hands stretched out in front of him.
The robber sprayed an irritant into Mr Howarth's face. Mr Howarth put his hands to his face and turned away.
The robber and a second man wearing a red baseball cap stole £30 from the till and left the shop.
The men who are both white and aged about 18-20 crossed Briercliffe Road into Brennand Street and were last seen in Mark Street.
Mr Howarth washed the spray liquid from his eyes later carried on working. He did not need hospital treatment.
Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Burnley CID on 425001.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article