A MACHETE-wielding robber was foiled after a shop assistant tricked him into turning round — then chased him with a stick.

The brave 23-year-old part-time worker came face to face with the masked robber at Lynwood Stores, Greenway Street, Darwen.

The attacker had produced the large-bladed weapon, approached the counter and demanded money from the till.

But the quick thinking employee said: “What’s that behind you?” and as the robber turned round, he picked up a stick from under the counter and swung it at the masked intruder.

He fled the shop empty handed.

The incident comes a month after Oswaldtwistle shopkeeper Bashir Patel used a golf club to fend of a raider.

In the Darwen incident, police have arrested a 20-year-old man as well as two women aged 20 and 21.

All three are also being quizzed in connection with a burglary on nearby Snape Street on Monday at 4.30pm in which a television was taken, but no violence was used.

Store owner of five years Zanith Khan, 28, said he had been called to the shop on Sunday evening by police after the attempted robbery.

He said: “The member of staff was only filling in for somebody who was on holiday. He’s trained up, but has only worked hear a few times.

“It was quick thinking and brave. He told me that he thought the robber looked panicky so he just reacted instinctively, tricked him and then swung for him when he was distracted.

“He’s done really well and I’m grateful. However, I would have thought twice about doing the same.”

Det Sgt Rob Anderson said police were still looking to trace at least one further suspect in connection with the robbery.

He called on witnesses in the Greenway Street area who saw the would-be robber going in or out of the shop to come forward.

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