A SHOP owner has told how he tackled a masked thug wielding a screwdriver who tried to rob his newsagent's.

Ibrahim Sidat, 22, owner of Sidat News, was standing behind the counter of his shop when a youth in his late teens came into the store and demanded cash.

Although he was threatened with the screwdriver, Mr Sidat refused to hand over any money.

Then as the man pointed the screwdriver at him, Mr Sidat instinctively leaned back, pushed a security alarm then jumped over the counter to chase him out of his newsagent's in Olive Lane, Darwen.

Police are continuing their investigations and are appealing for anyone with information about the incident, at 1.15pm yesterday, to contact them.

Mr Sidat said: "He came in and demanded cash with a screwdriver.

"He was carrying it in his right hand when he walked.

"He came to the counter and said 'give me some money.' "I thought to myself, 'I'm not having this'.

"Whether he was young or old, I wouldn't have given any money away.

"He tried to jump over the counter and I leant back and pressed the alarm because I knew that the street would be able to hear it.

"I think that scared him.

"Then I jumped over the counter and chased him out of the shop to catch him.

"As I ran out, one of my neighbours grabbed him but he struggled free but we couldn't catch him."

The youth, who is believed to be aged between 16 and 18 and who covered the bottom half of his face with a scarf, was seen running into the Ellenshaw Estate in Darwen.

He was white, of medium build and around 5ft 7in or 5ft 8in.

Mr Sidat added: "My neighbour did a hero's job the way he tried to get him for me.

"I just acted on instinct when I tried to stop him.

"Nothing like this has happened in the two years I have been here. There is a great community around here.

"Everyone looks out for each other. We have a strong community."

Det Insp Jill Johnston said: "We are taking this incident very seriously.

"We are concerned that this level of violence is being used."

Anyone with information should call the police on 0845 1 25 35 45.