AN ARMED robber has been found guilty of six "violent and threat-ening" robberies at Blackburn off licences.

Thomas Moffett, 43, of Roebuck Close, Blackburn, robbed terrified shop assistants while brandishing a nail gun and wearing a balaclava in March and May of this year, Preston Crown Court heard.

He robbed the Local, formerly Victoria Wine, Redlam on May 24 and March 27.

He also raided Booze Busters, Wensley Road, on May 15 and May 21 and Bargain Booze, Livesey Branch Road, on May 17 and May 21.

During the robberies he stole cash, tobacco and vodka.

Moffett denied he was responsible but he was convicted by a jury after a trial.

Police have thanked shop staff for their bravery in giving evidence, especially Jacqueline Ashworth.

She put a security device with an explosive pack of red dye among money Moffett took from the Local on May 27. This led to his capture.

Det Insp Paul Withers of Blackburn CID, said: "I am extremely pleased with the verdict. The victims were shocked and traumatised by what has happened. Despite this we owe a great deal of thanks to the courage of the shop assistants - one handed over the security device which ultimately activated when he left the shop.

"That led to his arrest. I applaud her bravery and this is down to her."

He added: "The victims were traumatised at the time of the incidents and they have had to go through the anguish of appearing in court and going through it all again. I am extremely grateful for the efforts of these victims.

"It is down to these people that he has been found guilty."

After the last robbery police raided a flat on Stansfield Street, Blackburn, that was connected to Moffett and found evidence including the nail gun used in the incidents, a mask and remains of the dye pack.

Police were convinced he was behind all the incidents as they were similar.During the robberies products demanded by Moffett had included Smirnoff Vodka and Lambert and Butler cigarettes.

DI Withers added: "He has entered shops brandishing a firearm on occasions where there was a lone female assistant.

"He was wearing a balaclava and was very threatening.

"These offences are of a violence nature and I have no doubt they had a very detrimental effect on the victims."

Sentencing was adjourned for a hearing at a later date.