Three attacks took place at different shop premises across the Preston area in just four hours.

The first incident occurred at 6pm last night, when a staff member of Betfred on Blackpool Road, Ribbleton, was pistol whipped by two masked men as he locked up the shop.

They demanded that he open up the premises but the staff member managed to make an escape.

At 9.30pm, three Asian men entered the Premier Convenience, on New Hall Lane, Preston, and threatened a cashier with a gun.

However, the thugs only managed to make away with several bottles of alcohol.

Just thirty minutes later, a third attack took place at a shop on Turpin green Lane in Leyland.

A female member of staff was held at gun point by two masked men who demanded cash from the premises, but the female refused.

Preston detectives are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

They don't believe that the incidents are related and think that separate gangs are behind the ordeals.

No one was seriously hurt in the attacks.