BELLA the German Shepherd was the unlikely heroine when armed robbers attempted to steal cash from a family-run newsagents.

The faithful dog rushed to protect her owners when two men attempted to rob the J & R Newsagents in Little Horton Lane in an evening attack.

The men, both wearing masks and one armed with a hammer, entered the shop demanding cash, but quickly fled empty handed when confronted by the protective pooch.

Rocco Williams, 56, has run the newsagents in Little Horton alongside his wife for the past 17 years.

He said they were sitting in the backroom of the shop when the robbers came to the shop.

Mr Williams said: “The front door swung open while we were in the back.

“Two men who were both masked up wearing bandanas with skulls on them came in and started shouting something about money.

“Bella ran into the shop and jumped up on the counter and started barking at them, and they said something like, ‘Oh s**t they’ve got a dog’ and ran off.

“One of them left a big rock outside the shop.

“It was lucky really because if my wife had been in here on her own, God knows what could have happened.

“We have been here for 17 years and nothing has ever happened like this before.

“My daughter actually mentioned how lucky we have been over the years a couple of weeks ago, I think she must have jinxed us!”

Mr Williams said Bella is usually a very friendly dog, but won’t hesitate to get involved if she feels her owners are under threat.

“She is really friendly, but if someone leans over the counter of raises their voice, she will bark,” he continued.

“But she knows most of the customers who come in, half of them give her little treats when they come in.

“She is like all Alsatians, if she thinks we are in fear or feel threatened in any way she will come straight over, but she is fine the rest of the time.”

Mr Williams’ daughter explained she has a 12-week old baby, and Bella will sit with her peacefully.

Police are on the hunt for the robbers, and have put out an appeal for any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time.

They have released information about one of the masked men who was involved in the attempted robbery.

The incident took place at around 8pm on Thursday, November 22, and the suspect is described as an Asian male who was around 5ft 10ins and of a slim build.

He was described as wearing black clothing with the hood up, and was also wearing a black material mask with a skull design.

Police inquiries are ongoing and anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity at the time, or has any information which may assist the investigation is asked to call Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference number 13180587116 or use the live chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Female German Shepherds - or Alsatians - can weight up to 32kg, and the breed is known for its loyalty, alertness and courageousness.