A BRAVE shopkeeper foiled three would-be armed robbers who burst into his store.

The trio went into the Top Shop off-licence on Willows Lane, Accrington, at around 10pm on Saturday brandishing weapons, and attempted to take property.

But they fled the store, opposite Fern Gore Avenue, and left empty-handed after being challenged by the brave shop keeper.

The three men, who were all described as white, were captured on the shop’s CCTV and are now being hunted by police.

Police have yet to release any further descriptions of the men, or details of any vehicles used in the robbery, but a spokeswoman said enquiries were ongoing.

The police spokeswoman said the shop, which borders Bullough Park, was open at the time of the robbery, and that several people may have seen the men arrive or leave. Officers are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the raid, or who has any information about the crime, to come forward.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or free-to-call line Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Calls to Crimestoppers are not traced or recorded and no personal details of the caller are taken.