A SHOP assistant has been left traumatised after she was faced with a man armed with two kitchen knives attempting to rob a store.

Deanne Shaw was on her own when the man slammed the knives on the counter of Bargain Booze in Whalley Road, Accrington, on Saturday at 9.40pm.

The 23-year-old, from Burnley, said she ran into a back room of the shop and slammed the door to get away from him. The man followed her but left after trying the door handle.

Miss Shaw said she has been off work since the incident and has contemplated not going back altogether.

She said: “I was screaming, I was so terrified. I have barely slept since it happened and every time I close my eyes I can see him there standing in front of me.

“It’s scary because once I ran into the back room he had the whole shop to himself, he could have taken the cigarettes or alcohol but he didn’t.

“I heard the police sirens just as he decided to leave so I’m guessing he was scared too.”

Police said the man was described as white, early 20s, around 5ft 7inches, of slim build and was wearing a blue navy zip hoodie with white drawstrings and a grey balaclava.

Julie Pettet, who has been manager of the store for seven years, said: “We are traumatised by what happened here on Saturday.

“We are constantly on edge by customers that come in. Doors are being locked at night now and if anyone has a balaclava on they are not coming in.

“A notice will go on the door to ask our customers to be extra vigilant. The police used to come in but we do not see them anymore.

“We would like to see more of them walking about on the streets in this area.”

Cllr Malcolm Pritchard, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said the shop worker must have experienced ‘the most terrified’ feeling in her life.

He said: “It is an absolute disgrace that the woman was trying to just make a living and then she’s had to go through that.

“I really, really feel for her and I’m glad she did not suffer any serious injuries.”

DC Owen Johnson said: “This must have been a terrifying ordeal for the woman working in the shop who thankfully wasn’t hurt and managed to run into the back area. If you know anything about this incident or recognise the description, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 01254 353864 or 101, quoting incident number LC-20171021-1632.