DETECTIVES are today hunting two masked men who burst into an off-licence brandishing long-blade knives.

The men, who were wearing stocking masks, threatened the owner of the Anglesey Off-licence, Angelsey Avenue, Burnley, and demanded cash at 7.40 last night.

Police have now appealed for information and witnesses.

They said the shop owner, Qazi Rafiq, was terrified as he was forced to hand over what police described as a small amount of cash.

Mr Rafiq, 36, of Brierfield, said :"It was quite a scary experience. Nothing like that has ever happened to me before and I have been at this shop for three years.

"They just burst in carrying huge knives and demanded the cash from the till which luckily I had just emptied five minutes before.

"When they left I called the police and tried to follow them in my car but they disappeared when they heard the police sirens."

The robbers were later spotted running along Padiham Road near the George IV pub. Witnesses said they were still wearing the masks and carrying the knives.

Today neighbours in the quiet avenue described their shock at hearing about the incident. One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "It's very unusual for this sort of thing to happen around here. It is normally a peaceful neighbourhood with no trouble."

The area forms part of a large estate of terraced and semi-detached houses in a quiet area just off the busy Padiham Road.

One of the robbers was described as 6ft and slim, the other 5ft 7in and also slim. Police believe the taller of the two might have been carrying a rucksack.

Call Burnley police on 01282 425001 or the freephone Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.