THIS is the moment a robber wielding an eight-inch knife tried to hold up an off-licence.

But a 49-year-old shop assistant defied his requests for cash, despite being faced with the weapon at The Wine Shop, Duckworth Street, Darwen.

She shouted at him to leave the shop and police said the 'baby faced' robber, thought to be in his early 20s, became 'flushed in the face' before fleeing empty handed.

The worker has been hailed for her bravery during the raid at 8.40pm on Sunday.

Last night officers issued the CCTV image in a bid to track the robber down.

Christine Curley, owner of the shop, said: “He asked for the money three times, and three times she refused point blank.

“My staff are excellent and are now trying to help the police identify who has done this.

“We have never had anything like this happen before, but we have good CCTV in the shop and on the street, so whoever did it obviously wasn’t aware that he’d be filmed.”

The man is described as being white, approximately 5ft 10in, with a 'baby face', wearing a black duffel coat with the hood up.

Detective Sergeant Ian Geogarty, of Darwen CID, said: “This was very frightening for the shop assistant.

“But she has clearly been very brave in the situation despite the ordeal.”

Sunnyhurst councillor Dave Hollings said: “I think all credit should go to the woman for seeing this man off, but in terms of the crime, I think this is a one-off incident.

“The violent crime figures for the last year are down and people should not be worried that incidents like these are widespread.”

Police and now carrying out inquiries into the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to call Darwen CID on 01254 353672.