ARMED robbers are being hunted after a shopkeeper was threatened with a gun at a Blackburn off-licence last night.

Around 7.25pm, four men entered the shop at the junction of Haslingden Road and Bennington Street.

All were wearing balaclavas and two were carrying firearms, police said.

The men, described as Asian, jumped over the counter and stole a quantity of money and cigarettes before fleeing the scene in a grey/black Peugeot 308.

During the incident the female shopkeeper was punched by one of the offenders and received a minor injury to her head.

She was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where she was also treated for shock.

Detective Sergeant Adrian McHugh said: "This was a terrifying incident for the female shopkeeper who has understandably been left incredibly shaken by what has happened.

"I would appeal to anybody who was in the Haslingden Road area prior to incident who noticed any suspicious behaviour to contact police.

"I would also like to speak with anybody who may witnessed this incident or seen the men fleeing from the shop.

"Finally, I would like to hear from anybody who may have seen a grey/black Peugeot 308 being driven in the Haslingden Road area after 7.25pm."

Anybody with any information should contact police on 01254 51212 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.