A FED-UP off-licence owner in Accrington has said he might close his store following a robbery.

The owner of Beer Necessities, in Whalley Road, plans to shut up shop as soon as his remaining stock is sold after a thief robbed a vending machine attendant of cash.

Police said a worker from a Manchester-based cigarette vending machine company was inside the shop restocking a machine, kept behind the counter, when he was approached by a man who threatened him and forced him to hang over a bag.

The thief is described as Asian, approximately six foot tall, of slim to medium build with short dark hair and a closely cropped beard.

Officers said no one was injured in the raid and the said the bag contained hundreds of pounds.

The businessman, who did not want to be named, said: “I’m scared to be here.

“I have had enough, this business is dead.”

Detectives yesterday appealed for the public’s help to identify the thief responsible for the incident on Tuesday.

Det Sgt Ian Procter, said: “The area concerned is a busy thoroughfare within the centre of Accrington and the offender was seen heading towards the town centre. I urge anyone with information relating to this matter to come forward and get in contact with us.”

Beer Necessities’ owner said he hopes CCTV in his shop and outside could provide vital clues in the hunt for the man.

He said: “I feel unsafe. My family has shops all over the country, including in Birmingham and down south, but this is the worse we have ever had.

“The shop is closing down and I’m selling off my remaining stock. I will close when the stock goes, in around two weeks.”

He added that business has been poor at the premises, close to Broadway, and was only serving around 10 customers a day, and taking just £50 or £60.

Last August, a window at the business was also smashed.

Hyndburn Council leader Miles Parkinson said it would be ‘a shame’ if the business was to close.

He said: “Something like this is extremely traumatic for the individual involved. For this man to have faced such harm while going about his work is greatly concerning.

“Crime is falling in Hyndburn year-on-year and incidents like this are rare. No-one wants this man to close his business, but ultimately it’s his and his family’s decision.”

Call police on 101.