Masked men in terrifying armed raid at jewellers
THESE images capture the shocking moment two masked men armed held up the staff of a Rawtenstall jewellery store at gun point.
Police are appealing for the public’s help to identify the men who targeted Janet Isherwood Jewellers on Kay Street armed with a shotgun and a handgun terrifying the female members of staff.
The robbers, believed to be two men wearing dark clothing and ski masks or balaclavas, followed two female members of staff as they arrived for work.
They demanded the staff open the store and stole between £200,000 and £220,000 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.
The weapons were not discharged and no-one was injured, although the female staff and a number of witnesses were left shocked.
Officers carried out a detailed search of the car park to the rear of the jewellers.
Detective Inspector Martin Melvin, of East Lancashire 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 or indeed private ANPR cameras 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 infor- mation should call 101 quoting log number 263 of Monday, July 11th or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers.org.