THREE men are being hunted after a shop assistant was threatened with a knife.

The attempted robbery took place at Pam’s Pantry in Brierfield yesterday (March 25) and police have issued a picture of the suspects.

Around 2.15pm three men entered the Burnley Road shop, one carrying a knife, and threatened the shop assistant while another demanded money from the till.

After a struggle, all three left empty-handed and escaped towards Lord Street. There were no reported injuries.

The first man police want to speak to is described as Asian, of medium build. He was seen wearing a burgundy hooded jumper with white string and a light blue T-shirt underneath, grey tracksuit bottoms with white string on the waist, black trainers, a black mask with luminous material near the mouth area and black gloves.

The second man was Asian, of slim build, and wearing a black padded jacket with a white logo on the chest, dark tracksuit bottoms with a white stripe down the leg ending at the knee, a Crosshatch scarf over his face and black shoes with red laces.

The third man was as white, of slim build, wearing a black cap, a green jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and black shoes.

Detective Constable Heather McAtee said: “This is a serious offence regardless of the current situation with COVID-19.

"However, I would like to stress that Pam’s Pantry is a local convenience shop selling essential supplies to the local community and this offence against the staff there who are key workers is totally unacceptable.

“If you recognise these men or have any idea of their whereabouts please get in touch. I would also appeal to members of the community who were in the area at the time and saw anything they now feel they need to report to please make contact.”

If you recognise these people please call 07967 823720 or email 4173@lancashire.pnn.police.uk . If there is no response please contact 101 quoting log number 0691 of March 25th.