A WEAPON-wielding robber made off with cash and tobacco after threatening a woman shop assistant at a Blackburn off-licence.

And today detectives launched an appeal to catch the culprit who they believe may be responsible for three other recent raids on shops in the town.

Police said the hooded man struck at Bargain Booze, Livesey Branch Road, just after 7.30pm yesterday.

As in previous raids, a woman assistant was threatened with a "firearm" before the raider made off with cash and tobacco.

Police do not think any customers were inside the store at the time of the raid.

The raid came just two days after Boozeboosters, Wensley Road, Blackburn, was the scene of a similar robbery and follows raids at Victoria Wine, Redlam, in March and at Coral bookmakers, Dyson Street, in April.

Today Inspector Graham Ashcroft confirmed that last night's robber could be behind the previous strikes.

He said: "The man entered the shop wearing a grey hooded top and had some clothing covering his face.

"He was brandishing a firearm and made off with a quantity of cash and possibly tobacco after threatening a female member of staff.

"We are investigating the possibility that the man is responsible for the other raids in the town recently but at this stage we are keeping an open mind."

The robber was described as white, wearing gloves, jeans and trainers.

In the previous raid, at around 8pm on Monday, a man entered Boozebusters, Wensley Road, and threatened the shop assistant, demanding cash, tobacco and alcohol.

The culprit is believed to have brandished what police termed a "weapon with a long, narrow barrel" and was carrying a black rucksack that had a light trim and motif.

Detectives believe the man left the shop and ran down Lancaster Street with a small amount of cash, tobacco and alcohol.

Detective Constable Nicola Lochhead, from Blackburn CID, is linking Monday's raid with the two earlier robberies.

She said: "We believe these three raids are linked as the descriptions given have been very similar and in all cases witnesses have described the man as carrying a long, barrelled shaped weapon.

"At this stage we don't know whether this is a firearm or simply a piece of pipe.

"I would urge anyone with any information about the offences, or anyone who recognises the description of the offender, to call us."

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 8ins, medium to stocky build, and wearing a light grey waist length coat with a light coloured trim edge, dark trousers and gloves.

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn CID on 01254 353569.