ARMED masked robbers have stormed a jewellers in Blackburn town centre.

Two men armed with axes and wearing balaclavas targeted Humberstones Jewellers shortly after 12.15pm today.

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An eye witness said a red Volkswagen Golf pulled up outside the King William Street store and two men carrying an axe smashed the bottom pane of glass in the door.

He said: “The man jumped out of the VW Golf and one smashed the lower glass pane in the jewellers door.

“Staff were threatened before several items were stolen.

“The car was blocking the road and when a motorist sounded his horn to try and get passed another man robber armed with an axe threatened the driver.

“The car then shot off in the direction of the M6 down Preston New Road.”

Detectives are now at the scene and an investigation has been launched.

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A police spokesman said: “We received a 999 call at 12.15pm. A jewellers shop has been targeted by thieves.

“An investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.