A CCTV camera captured the moment a petrol station worker was threatened with a rock and a large metal pole.

Detectives have launched an investigation after armed robbers burst into the Lock Mill service station, in Bolton Road, Blackburn and demanded cash.

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The two men, wearing dark clothing with their faces covered, demanded money and cigarettes from the cashier, stood behind the till.

And when the shop worker ran off towards the toilets they went behind the counter and helped themselves.

Police said the pair fled with a small amount of cash and cigarettes, running off towards Hollin Bridge Street, around 10.15pm on Sunday.


The terrified shop worker said he 'feared' for his life.

He said: “I was just stood behind the counter when they just stormed in and forced their way behind the counter.

“It was scary. I’ve never been in this sort of situation before.

“They had this metal pole and a big rock.

"It was big shock, I just didn’t expect it.

“It was when they came at me the second time, that I just went to hide in the back in the toilet.

“I feared for my life.”

The 71-year-old owner of the garage, Mike Eccles, said this was the first time in 24 years the petrol station had been targeted by thieves.

He said: “When I found out first of all my first thoughts were is anyone hurt, how much has been taken, did they get away, and how much damage was caused?

“Luckily they managed to get away with very little and nobody was hurt. That’s the best thing to say about it, they took very little.

“I’ve been here for 24 years and I’ve never seen anything like this before.

"We’ve never had any problems.”

Community leaders urged anyone with information about those responsible to contact the police.

Cllr Maureen Bateson, who represents the Ewood ward on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Obviously when something like this happens, and anyone has seen anything, we would like them to come forward and help the police in any way that they can.

"My first concern in these kinds of situation is for the members of staff because it can be a very frightening situation."

Cllr Jamie Groves, who also represents Ewood, said: "This is a shocking thing to happen to someone who was just doing his job."

Investigators are expected to carry out an inspection of CCTV footage from neighbouring businesses on one of the busiest routes out of the town centre.

DC Michelle Moffat, investigating, said: "Thankfully they didn't get away with much and the cashier wasn't hurt.
"But he is understandably shaken up after being threatened when he was simply just there to do his job.

"If you saw these men in the area before or after the incident or you have any information that could help us, please get in touch."

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting log reference 1495 of March 12.