Two men armed with axe and pole steal money from Rawtenstall newsagents

Police want to speak to two men following a robbery at Hoopers Newsagents on Bury Road in Rawtenstall on Sunday evening (March 1).

Two men with their faces covered entered the store carrying an axe and a pole at around 5.50pm.

They then demanded money from the till before making off from the scene with a small amount of cash.

Officers believe a third man acting as a lookout remained outside the shop.

After the incident, the trio ran off in the direction of the Firepit pub.

DS Sarah Hargreaves from Burnley CID said: “The shop assistant who was threatened is understandably shaken by her ordeal.

“We know that both of the men who went inside were white and spoke with a local accent. One of them was wearing a military style trench coat.

“I am keen to trace a man who chased the offenders away from the scene and a woman who was stood outside and saw them run away.

“If this sounds like you, or you know anything about who was involved, please make contact with us as soon as possible.”

If you you have any information that could help police, you can email [email protected] or call 01282 472244 quoting reference number 1222 of March 1.

If you fail to get an answer, you can dial 101.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.