A MASKED robber grabbed a woman customer around the neck and held a gun to her head during a bungled raid on a grocery store and off-licence.

The owner of the shop today praised staff and the shopper after they fought off the man when he burst into the Spar in Burton Street, Rishton, at 8pm yesterday.

Peter Dewhurst, who has run the store for about 15 years, said: "It was all caught on CCTV which I have reviewed and the women were very brave. I am very grateful to them.

"The man came in with a stocking on his head and pulled out what looked like a gun. One assistant thought it was a joke but he threw a plastic bag across the counter for her to fill up.

"His demands became more and more agitated and I think he was getting frustrated when he grabbed a customer around the neck and held the gun to her head.

"At that point she deflected his arm and was trying to grab his mask so he decided to get out."

The robber was white, in his mid-30s, 6ft 2in and wearing a black coat with red trim on the sleeves and collar, black trousers and black and white trainers.

Anyone information should contact the confidential Crimestoppers number on 0800 555111 or Great Harwood CID on 01254 884800.

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