POLICE are hunting two armed robbers who threatened a shop assistant with a gun at an off-licence in Clayton-le-Moors.

One of the robbers, who had his jumper pulled over his face, entered The Wine Shop at around 9.15pm on Saturday and pointed the handgun at the assistant, who was alone at the time.

He demanded money from the till and, having been handed the takings, took two bottles of whisky before making off towards Barnes Square with a second man, who was acting as a lookout.

DC Tony Woodworth, of Accring-ton CID, said the 32-year-old shop assistant had been left shaken by the incident, adding: "He wasn't physically injured but he was obviously very distressed by it all.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed it or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area around that time."

Councillor Janet Storey, Cabinet portfolio holder for community safety, said: "It is quite worrying that we can have something like this happen here on a Saturday evening in a busy area.

"The CCTV camera does cover that area so hopefully something has been picked up. It must have been really shocking for the man involved."

The first robber was described as white, aged between 25 and 30, 5ft 7ins tall and of average build. He was balding and had a pale complexion, and wore a long-sleeved navy blue jumper and dark brown combat trousers.

His accomplice was described as white, around 20 years old, 5ft 10ins tall and with a bigger-than-average build.

Police confirmed they were examining CCTV footage of the area at the time and asked anyone with information to contact Accrington Police on 382141 or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555111.