A TERRIFIED woman foiled a gunman on her back doorstep.

The brave woman pushed aside a replica handgun held in the would-be robber's hands despite not knowing whether it was real, and refused to hand over any cash or let him in.

The attempted robbery happened at around 6pm on Saturday, January 8, on Leigh Sinton Road, Malvern, when the woman heard loud banging on the back door.

She opened the door to a man holding what initially looked like a long-barrelled black revolver.

After he demanded money, she "pushed the 'handgun' aside" and the man ran off towards Newtown Road.

Police have not revealed the details of the woman involved.

"Although this was an extremely terrifying experience for the victim, she did not give in to the man's demands and refused to co-operate with him in any way," said a police spokesman.

"Irrespective of whether a replica firearm was used, this was an extremely serious incident, which could have had further repercussions both for the victim and the man in question."

As a precaution, paramedics were called, but were not needed.

A Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, Mike Charles, said the police had not yet told him about the incident.

"I'm surprised I have not been told by the police," said Mr Charles, who lives on nearby Somers Park Avenue.

"It's the first I have heard of any incidents like this taking place in Malvern. It is very, very disturbing.

"A lot of my members have children and they will be frightened by this," he said.

Mr Charles said he would contact his members letting them know about the incident.

Police said they had arrested two men at an address in Upper Howsell Road, Malvern, in connection with the incident.

They are being held at Worcester Police Station while enquiries continue.