DETECTIVES hunting armed robbers are trying to trace their car.

Four men burst into Jean Heaton’s off-licence at the junction of Haslingden Road and Bennington Street, Blackburn, on Thursday wearing balaclavas and threatening to shoot the owner.

She was punched in the face and told to lie down while the Asian men grabbed cigarettes and cash.

They fled in dark grey or black Peugeot 308.

Detective Sergeant Adrian McHugh, of Blackburn CID, said: “I would like to hear from anybody who may have seen a grey-black Peugeot 308 being driven in the Haslingden Road area after 7.25pm.

“I would appeal to anybody who was in the area prior to incident who noticed any suspicious behaviour.

“I would also like to speak with anybody who may witnessed this incident or seen the men fleeing from the shop.”

Jean was treated for shock at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Contact police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.