BRAZEN thieves stole 10 motorbikes in a targeted attack on Lancashire’s largest motorcycle dealership.

The raid took place at the Rocket Centre on Whitebirk Retail Park in Blackburn late on Tuesday evening.

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Hours after the Trident Park showroom closed, three men approached the premises to check if they would be disturbed before smashing a double-glazed window at the rear to gain entry.

They made off with 10 off-road style bikes, described as KTM models between 85 and 350CC.

The bikes are brand new and very distinctive due to their orange colour. The total value of the vehicles stolen was £54,000.

It is not yet confirmed how long the raid lasted, but it was enough time for the gang to remove bikes from the showroom and load them into a white long wheel-base van before driving away.

They returned some time later to remove more vehicles and load them into the van before making good their escape.

It is thought the showroom was targeted because of its close proximity to the M65.

A police spokesman said: “We have been made aware of it and launched an investigation.

“Officers are studying CCTV footage and making enquiries.”

The Rocket Centre’s official Twitter account announced the break-in on Wednesday.

A post said: “URGENT Please RT – 11 KTM EXC and SX 2016 models stolen from our showroom last night and a Yamaha YZ250F. More details to follow.”

A later tweet read: “Thank you for everyone’s support. We’ve got good CCTV coverage, the police are happy & confident with what we have supplied them. Thank you.”

The Rocket Centre is the county’s largest motorcycle dealership and marked its 11th birthday earlier this year.

The charity celebrations saw big names in the world of two-wheel racing and members of the public gather for a free open day at the showroom.

Legendary rider Jack Valentine and his colleagues Josh Waters and Christian Iddon were there to blow out candles.

The business was formerly based in Livesey Branch Road.