TWO men burst into a convenience store and threatened a shop worker with a hammer and a knife.

Detectives have released CCTV images of two suspects who attempted to rob the One Stop Shop, in Pritchard Street, Blackburn.

Police said two hooded men went into the store at 10.50pm yesterday, while another waited outside.

One of the hooded men is then said to have threatened the shop worker with a knife and demanded cash from the till.

But police said the victim pressed the panic button and the men left the shop empty handed.

Police said one of the men who went inside the store was wearing a khaki tracksuit and a balaclava, while the other was dressed in a black puffa jacket and trousers.

The man outside was wearing a long black jacket and dark coloured clothing.

Det Sgt Mark Holland said: “The men had their hoods up and their faces covered but we would like to speak to anyone who recognises them from their clothing in the CCTV footage.

“We’d also like to speak to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the robbery.

“We know two men went into the shop and another waited outside but it is possible there were more people involved.”

Ward councillor Maureen Bateson said: "It's totally unacceptable.

"My ward is a large area with lots of family housing and this is extremely concerning.

"We are trying to ensure the area is a safer place and these things do not help.

"It's frightening for the staff and thankfully the worker had the panic button. Had they not been able to use it I don't want to think about what would have happened."

Cllr Jamie Groves, who also represents the area, said: "This is a shocking incident and if anyone has any information please pass them onto the police."

Council leader Mohammed Khan added the incident was both 'shocking' and 'unacceptable'.

He said: "I hope they get better security and CCTV in the shop, which I think is the only way to deter people from attempting to rob your store."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log LC-20180425-1694 or email 1438@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.