POLICE have released CCTV images of men they wish to speak to in connection with incidents of car theft, shoplifting and assault in Hyndburn.

The men are believed to hold clues to a series of unconnected crimes.

The first man officers would like to speak may have information about the theft of two cars in Accrington on Monday.

A Vauxhall Astra and a Renault Modus were stolen from outside a house in Spencer Street.

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A police spokesman said: “A thief has smashed a front door window panel at the house before taking car keys.

“A Vauxhall Astra and a Renault Modus were then stolen but later recovered.

“If anyone recognises the male please call 101 quoting crime number ED1618195.”

Police have also released images of three people officers want to speak to in connection with shoplifting offences.

The first image shows a man caught on camera at the same time staff reported a theft of electric hair styling products valued at £70 at Wilkinson’s, Market Way, Accrington, on November 24.

The second relates to an incident at Argos in Blackburn Road, Accrington, on Saturday, November 12 where Star Wars toys valued at £40 were taken from a display, while the third, showing two men, relates to the theft of two iPhone 7s valued at £1,500 from the Vodafone store in Accrington town centre on Friday, November 25.

Anyone with information about any of should call police on 101.

Police in Accrington also said yesterday that they had identified a suspect as they renewed their appeal for information regarding a 71-year-old woman who was assaulted in a supermarket.

An image of a man was released after the pensioner was assaulted at around 9pm on Friday, October 7 at Tesco in Eagle Street.

She entered the store and noticed a man unconscious on the floor in the foyer area. Police said the man got up, grabbed the victim in a headlock before demanding her handbag.

The man continued to hold the victim and demand her bag and money as they moved towards the travelators before running off.

Police said after renewing their appeal yesterday the suspect had been identified after calls from the public but they had yet to make an arrest.