AN Accrington shopkeeper was coshed with what police believe was a handgun in an armed robbery.

Iftikhar Ashraf, 20, was attacked around 7pm last night in his family's shop Thoroughgoods, Manchester Road.

A white man wearing a black balaclava threatened him and demanded cash and cigarettes, said police. After hitting him on the head with the weapon, the robber fled on foot with money and goods.

Mr Ashraf's dad, Mohammed, 50, said his son was not badly injured but was badly shaken. He said: "The man came in and hit him over the head with a gun. He is not hurt, it was more the shock.

"We came here last year and took over. We have never had any problems like this. We have got security cameras in the shop and the police are looking at the video."

The offender was described as white, of average build and with blue eyes. He was wearing a dark jacket and light-coloured trousers or jeans.

Today, police appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or seen anyone acting suspiciously around the time of the incident to come forward.

Inspector Stuart Bruce, of Blackburn Police, said: "As you can imagine, the shop keeper is quite upset and agitated after the incident so we shall be interviewing him again today to get more information and a better description of the offender."

Anyone with information should call Accrington CID on 01254 353743 or 01254 353744. Alternatively, call the Crimestoppers hotline anonymously on 0800 555 111.