POLICE have launched an appeal to catch a hooded robber who made off with cash after holding up an off-licence at gunpoint.

The man struck just after 4.30pm on Monday at the Thresher store in Redlam, Blackburn.

Police believe he fled on mountain bike after forcing a woman cashier, who was working alone, to hand over around £100 from the till.

Det Con Chris McCreadie of Blackburn CID said the victim, who has not been named, was left "shaken" but was not injured and returned to work as normal yesterday.

DC McCreadie said the robber had a "local accent".

He said: "A man wearing dark clothing entered the premises occupied by a single female worker.

"He was carrying a long-barrelled firearm he had covered with a white plastic bag and ordered the woman to give him cash in the till.

"While he was talking he had his hood up and had a collar pulled up over his face. We believe he came in the direction from the town centre and made his way to and from the scene on mountain bike."

Nobody at the store was prepared to comment.

The robber was white, 5ft 8 in tall and was wearing dark clothing and hooded top.

Anyone with information should call Blackburn Police on 01254 51212.