OFFICERS have increased their presence in Rawtenstall today after two men armed with sawn-off shotguns and handguns raided a shop in the town centre yesterday, escaping with up to £220,000 worth of jewellery.

Two staff members were marched to the safe of Janet Isherwood Jewellery in Kay Street and told to empty the contents.

The raiders left the building with between £200,000 and £220,000 worth of jewellery following what police described as a professionally planned robbery.

Detectives have issued a witness appeal following the raid at 9am yesterday.

Police said after threatening the staff members, the men, who were said to be wearing dark clothing and either ski masks or balaclavas, got into a silver Chrysler vehicle driven by a third man.

They are then said to have gone the wrong way down Kay Street before turning left on to Bacup Road and then on to Dobbins Lane where they set the car on fire.

Police said 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.

A police spokesman said at no time were any weapons discharged and no-one was injured, although the stop’s staff and witnesses were left shocked.

No arrests have been made and officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV footage to come forward.

DI Martin Melvin said: “This would appear to be a professionally planned robbery by offenders who were not afraid to carry weapons, although thankfully these were not used and no-one was hurt.

“I appeal for anyone who has information or who saw anything suspicious in the days leading up to the robbery to get in touch.

“I would also be interested to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or private ANPR cameras as they may have captured footage which could prove vital in tracing the offenders’ getaway.”

Offering reassurance to residents, Rossendale Police said on their Facebook page: “Officers are providing an increased presence in Rawtenstall after the armed robbery on Kay St yesterday.”

Local businesswoman Clare Kelly: “You just do not expect this kind of thing in a town like this. It is normally so quiet and friendly.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident reference 263 of Monday, July 11.