A MASKED robber tried to stab a shop assistant with a 12-inch knife during a ‘terrifying’ armed raid.

Police said three masked men, armed with a hammer and the knife, threatened the late-night shop assistant at the Spend and Save Off-Licence, in Higher Reedley Road, Brierfield.

Customers watched as the men, who had scarves across their faces and wore hooded tops, swore at the assistant and ordered him to hand over cash, according to officers.

Shop owner Umar Zaman, who was not in the shop but has seen the incident on CCTV, said one of the robbers struck out with the knife but the assistant, who is in his 30s, managed to jump back and avoid the blade.

The robber then reached into the till and took about £900 in cash, a packet of Empire cigarettes and two bottles of vodka before fleeing from the store.

Mr Zaman, who took over the shop last December, said: “Three men came in with hooded tops and scarves.

“The people were shouting and swearing saying ‘give me the money’.

“The guy with the knife went for the staff member and tried to stab him in the shoulder but he missed.

“He demanded money and the assistant opened the till.

“He was shook up but will be back at work tomorrow.”

Police said the three men ran off towards Ribchester Way after the raid at 8pm on Monday.

Officers said a car may have been waiting for them at the back of the estate after the attack, which left the customers, an elderly man and a 14-year-old, shaken.

Det Sgt Steve Holgate, of Nelson CID, said: “It was a particularly serious incident and nasty attack, which has caused a lot of concern for ourselves and was very distressing for the people and staff in the shop at he time.

“We are obviously very eager to catch those responsible for the attack and are appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward.”

Police have appealed for information and are keen to identify if a vehicle was used by the males to make off from the scene of the crime.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this offence or who may have seen these three males before or after the attack.

Anyone with any information should contact DS Steve Holgate or DC Joanne Pemberton at Nelson CID on 01282 472644 or contact CrimeStoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.