A DARWEN off-licence was targeted by armed robbers just two weeks after it was taken over by new owners.

And today the new boss said he would do all he could to ensure the crooks were caught.

Staff at Dixons News in Anyon Street, were preparing to close at around 8.50pm on Sunday when two men, believed to be in their 20s, entered with a machete.

They threatened the female assistant behind the counter and demanded money from the till.

They escaped with cash but no-one was injured.

Owner Bajwa Ahmed said it was not the first time the store had been targeted.

An assistant was threatened last year, and nine years ago an assistant was threatened with a sawn-off shotgun.

Mr Ahmed said: "We were closing up when the two men came in.

"I was in the shop but they threatened the female assistant. Fortunately no-one was injured.

"We knew there wasn't a lot in the till so they didn't get away with a lot of money.

"I think we may need more cameras but we only took over two weeks ago.

"We get a lot of elderly people coming in and we don't want them to be frightened and be put off coming to the shop.

"We are doing everything we can to help the police with their inquiries."

The men were described as white, in their late 20s and wearing dark clothing.

Inspector Simon Atkinson said: "We are appealing for any local residents or anyone who may have been passing that area and may have information about any activity nearby that might be of interest to us."

Anyone with information should contact Darwen CID on 01254 353841.