A SHOP worker foiled three would-be robbers, who burst into her store with a suspected handgun.

Sairs Saleh, who works in Limbrick Corner Shop in Blackburn, slammed one man’s hand in the till, causing the group, who were all wearing scarves over their faces, to run off empty-handed.

Mrs Saleh said she needed hospital treatment for chest pains, caused by the terror of the attack, as well as the physical struggle.

The attempted robbery happened when the men, who also had their hoods up, walked into the Limbrick store.

One bought a 50p can of drink and as 50-year-old Mrs Saleh, who lives above the store with her husband Mubarak, 60, and daughter Munira, 25, opened the till to get his change, the would-be robber attempted to grab the money.

CCTV captured the moment the man at the counter pulled out what police believe could be a gun.

Mrs Saleh said: “I was screaming, that is the only thing that saved me.

“I was really shaken up and my chest was sore because of the pulling.

“I actually did not notice he had a gun but it is really scary to think that he did.”

Detectives are examining the footage and finger prints have been taken from the shop.

Police said the men ran off in the direction of St Andrew’s Street.

The men were all described as being in their late teens or early 20s and were all wearing dark clothing.

Det Sgt Ian Proctor appealed for witnesses.

He said: “The whole incident happened very, very quickly. It was over within seconds.

“The victim was left shaken, but thankfully she was not physically injured.

“I would appeal for anybody who has any information about this incident to call us.”

Anybody with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.