A BALACLAVA-CLAD gang armed with a sledgehammer smashed their way into a Blackburn shopping centre to raid a jewellers.

Detectives said eight men broke into The Mall Blackburn’s Church Street entrance shortly before 2.30am and used the weapon and a crowbar to force up the shutters of Chris Shan Jewellers.

Firefighters discovered the break in as they responded to reports of a blaze at the shopping centre.

Police said the gang, who were caught on CCTV, set fire to the Church Street entrance causing significant damage, before they left via an exit near to the court and Exchange Street.

A second fire started at the Citroen garage on Throstle Street, Blackburn, where two cars were set alight, is also being linked to the raid police said.

The value of the jewellery taken in Tuesday’s burglary is still unknown as police launched an appeal for information.

Community leaders and shoppers said they were ‘surprised’ and ‘concerned’ to hear about the early hours raid.

Yesterday a large hole could be seen in a glass pane at the Church Street entrance just below sports chain JD Sports.

Several sections of the Mall were initially cordoned off to shoppers but some were re-opened by 9.30am.

However, a cordon remained near to the independent jewellers and nearby The Body Shop, Ernest Jones and the Euro Exchange all day to allow crime scene investigators time to work.

The Darwen Street entrance of the shopping centre remained closed.

Cllr Solly Khonat, who covers Blackburn town centre, said: “I am really shocked and concerned to see something like this happen.

“I would encourage anybody who knows anything to come forward.

“The only people I would think would be about would be taxi drivers and people using public transport.

“This is extremely sad because we are really breaking through in Blackburn in terms of the town centre and we have done so many changes and so much work going ahead. This really is a step back for us.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Shopper Christine Taylor, 66, of Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, said: “It’s made me more aware to keep my hand on my purse.

“Blackburn has changed. People can’t leave their doors open and you don’t feel safe in your own home.”

Busker Callum Fox, 20, of Primrose Bank, Blackburn, said: “It’s just surprising that someone would have the bottle to do that in the town centre where there’s young children about in a place where you’re meant to feel safe.

“It’s a bit shocking how they got in. It’s all locked up. I think it’s a bit cruel. They are an independent jeweller’s not a chain.”

Noreen Walmsley, 68, of Oswaldtwistle, said: “What’s the world coming to? There’s too much stabbing and too much thieving.

“I just thought everything was locked up at night. I didn’t think they could get in. It makes you nervous.”

Crews from Blackburn and Hyndburn fire stations attended the five square metres blaze and light smoke damage.

A joint investigation between the fire and police has now been launched.

Det Insp Tim McDermott, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are appealing for information following the burglary of a jewellery store in The Mall, Blackburn.

“This was a well-planned theft involving up to eight people with their faces covered.

“CCTV footage indicates there may have been other offenders in addition to the eight who entered The Mall.

“This crime took place in the middle of Blackburn town centre and we would ask anyone with information, or who noticed suspicious activity in the area at the time of the incident, to contact police immediately.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Andrew Smith, operations manager at The Mall said: “Initially we thought we would have to close a bigger area of The Mall then we have had to.

“We can confirm a serious incident occurred overnight. It is now in the hands of the police.

“We are making every effort to make sure the police investigation can take place as quickly and thoroughly as possible.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.