AN off licence assistant was subjected to a horrifying ordeal when a robber grabbed her by the hair, held a large kitchen knife to her throat and demanded money.

The woman was working at the Airey's Off Licence in Devonshire Road, Blackpool, near the junction with Warley Road, at 7.45pm on November 28 when the thief went into the shop.

Without any warning he produced a large-bladed kitchen knife, went behind the counter and grabbed the woman, demanding that she open the till.

An alarm was sounded so he tried, without success, to force the till. He then ran from the shop empty-handed.

He was seen to get into the passenger seat of a waiting van, possibly a green Astra or similar model, which was parked in a nearby side road.

The thief was white, around 6ft tall and wore a baseball cap and navy jacket.

A police spokesman said: "This was a violent attack.

"The offender is obviously a dangerous person and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information about the person who may be responsible, to contact police on 293933, or on the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111."