DETECTIVES have issued these CCTV images of men linked to an attempted robbery in which a shopkeeper was threatened with what was believed to be a gun.

It happened at about 8.40pm on Wednesday, September 24, when the men went in to Purewal and Son Off Licence and General Store in Manchester Road, Bradford and made demands for cash and cigarettes.

One of the men was carrying what was believed to be a gun and threatened shopkeeper Kuldeep Purewal with it but they all turned and fled when Mr Purewal refused their demands and said he was going to call the police.

Speaking after the incident to the Telegraph & Argus Mr Purewal said the incident had lasted for "about two or three minutes".

"I was shocked when it happened. I couldn't think about anything that I needed to do.

"I just tried to hide away in the back room. I just said to them that I was going to ring the police. It's the first time anything like this has happened. They didn't come round the other side of the counter."

The man believed to have been carrying a gun is described as about six feet tall and of slim build. His face was covered with what a red scarf or handkerchief and was also wearing gloves.

Another suspect is described as being of slim build and about 5ft 8ins tall. He is thought to be in his late teens or early 20s and was wearing black trousers, gloves and a black hooded top. His face was covered with a black scarf.

The third man is described as white, about 5ft 6ins tall and of slim build. He is also believed to be in his late teens or early 20s and was wearing a black hooded top and gloves but no face covering.

Detective Inspector Ryan Bragg, of Bradford District CID, said the men were likely to have been seen when they ran from the store.

"We would ask anyone who recognises these men to contact Bradford District CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111," he said.