Watch the terrifying moment armed robbers raid jewellers

Granada
Rawtenstall
Lancashire
Wednesday 13 July 2016 at 12:07pm

Terrifying moment armed robbers raid jewelers Credit: Lancashire Police

This is the terrifying moment armed raiders robbed a jewellery store in Rawtenstall.

Lancashire Police is appealing for the public’s help to identify the men who targeted the store armed with a shotgun and a handgun - terrifying the female members of staff.

The robbery happened at shortly before 9am on Monday (July 11th) when two masked men wearing dark clothing and ski masks or balaclavas approached the two members of staff at Janet Isherwood Jewellers on Kay Street.

The men demanded the staff open the store and they then stole between £200-220k worth of jewellery.

The offenders made off in a silver Chrysler car driven by a third offender, heading against the traffic flow up Kay Street before turning on to Bacup Road in the general direction of Bacup. They then turned left on to Dobbins Lane where the car was abandoned and set on fire. The thieves then changed into high visibility jackets and made off in a white van turning right on to Peel Street, heading in the direction of Bacup Road.

At no time were any weapons discharged and no-one was injured, although the female staff and a number of witnesses were left shocked.

Detective Inspector Martin Melvin, of East CID, said:

“These images show the shocking nature of this robbery which was clearly a professionally planned raid by offenders who were not afraid to carry weapons, although thankfully these were not used and no-one was hurt. I would ask anyone who recognises either of the men in the pictures, or who has seen the car, to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency. We are continuing to make a number of enquiries in a bid to trace these offenders before they can strike again. I’d also be interested to hear from anyone who may have CCTV as they may have captured footage which could prove vital in tracing the offenders’ getaway. Extra police patrols will remain in the area in the coming days as reassurance and for anyone to approach with information. Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log number 263 of Monday, July 11th or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers.org/.