STAFF at a McDonald's restaurant were left terrified after a late-night raid by armed robbers.

But nobody was injured and the would-be thieves left empty-handed.

Two members of staff were closing up on Monday at 11.30pm.

When they came to locking the fire exit door two young Asian men were discovered in the back alley of the restaurant in Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn .

As the robbers rushed forward one was spotted carrying a hand gun.

The assistant ran back into the restaurant and the two employees shut themselves in the cash room and contacted the police.

Although the offenders tried to kick down the door they gave up and fled before officers arrived. Sergeant Geoff Bromley from blackburn CID appealed to anyone who may have witnessed the attack.

He said: "This was a very serious incident. Staff acted extremely bravely and we were very fortunate that no injuries were sustained."

One of the robbers is described as an Asian male, aged between 18 and 20, around 5ft 8ins, of medium build, wearing a white hooded top with stripes across the chest.

The only description of the second attacker is that he was an Asian male.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.