The balaclava-clad thug threatened a worker in the Holme Slack Convenience Store in Holme Slack Lane, Preston, with a gun and a knife before stealing cash.

Soon after the shop raid, armed police officers surrounded a home in nearby Brookfield where it was believed the suspect was holding out.

It is thought the shopkeeper and the robber were involved in the confrontation and that the worker suffered a hand injury.

Tony Jones, a security guard who lives near the scene on Holme Slack Lane, ran out of his home when he and his wife heard the shopkeeper's terrified screams at around 1.45pm on Tuesday.

At the same time Phil Iddon, a friend of the unnamed worker, was passing in a taxi and saw the struggle which spilled out on to the street.

Despite having his arm in a plaster cast the brave Broughton Printers worker also ran after the robber.

However, the two men decided not to pursue the robber any further when he cocked his gun – thought to be an air weapon – and loaded it.

He made his getaway alone in a black vehicle in the direction of Ronaldsway. It was later found abandoned.

Shocked locals gathered at the scene as detectives arrived and the police helicopter hovered above the scene.

At around 3.45pm reports were made of armed officers attending a home on Halstead Street in the city.

Det Insp Keith Lee, of Preston Police, said: "We don't believe the gun was discharged though that was the suggestion initially.

"It was very public-spirited of the residents to try and tackle a man wielding what would appear to be a firearm and they should be officially recognised when he has been brought to justice."

'Instinct'

Mr Iddon, 26, of Rose Lane, said: "He had a gun on an estate where my kids play and any of them could have been out. If it had gone off outside the shop it could have been terrible. So I chased him. We chased him around the corner but then saw him cock his gun. I backed off."

Lisa Jones, 33, praised her husband Tony, 37, who also chased the robber. She said: "It happened shortly before the two primary schools were due out so I rang them straight away to warn them.

"Tony went after him and I screamed at him to be careful. He's a security guard so I think it was his instinct.

Sereena Miller, who lives in the flat above the shop, said: "I heard the shopkeeper screaming. I saw them struggling and the man run away. He pulled his balaclava off as he ran and then dropped a nine inch bladed knife. He picked it up."

* A 44-year-old Ribbleton man has been arrested and is being questioned. Call the police on 01772 203203.

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