A ‘TERRIFIED’ woman was attacked when a gang armed with crowbars raided a cricket club.

The stewardess and two customers were forced into the cellar of Haslingden Cricket Club by the hooded thieves before being told to open the safe.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Club officials have said the stewardess has punched in the back of the head during the raid and all three had their faces covered as they were ordered to ‘get down on the floor’.

Chairman Ian Cameron described the incident, which he said saw the men leave the Private Lane club with thousands of pounds, as ‘gutting’ while president Patrick Lord urged other clubs in East Lancashire to be vigilant.

Mr Cameron said: “We had a relatively normal Sunday afternoon and had been holding our monthly Sunday lunch. We had been busy until about 6pm.

“Just before 7pm it was just the steward and two customers when three men entered with crowbars.

“It seems they might have been in the area watching because 25 minutes earlier there had been around 10 people in there including one current and one former police officer.

“They forced the two customers and stewardess into the store room where the beer barrels are kept.”

He said the stewardess, who is in her early thirties and has worked at the club since April, was then taken to the office and told to open the safe.

Mr Cameron said: “It must have been terrifying. I believe she is very shaken.

“I have spoken to one of the customers who said he is okay although quite badly shaken.”

Mr Lord added the stewardess was punched to the back of the head after being told to ‘get down on the floor’ by the group who had their faces covered.

The trio were in there for around five to eight minutes, but did not cause any damage to the club, he said.

“It was more the threat and bullying aspect of it,” Mr Cameron said.

“There are a lot of people who put a lot of time and effort in to keep the club running.

“It provides a service to the community. We have nearly 100 junior member. Schools, churches and charities use our function facilities.

“Clubs do not deserve that kind of violation.

“The stewardess does a fantastic job and she has been subjected to that.

“I think it would be have been bad enough if they had come in when it was all locked up but to walk through the front door.”

He said the club is considering security measures including the prospect of installing a lone worker alarm.

Mr Lord said: “I’m led to believe it is not the first time that a cricket club or golf club has been hit in this area.

“It is a concern. All the clubs have got to be pretty vigilant particularly in the winter months when it’s dark and lots of people have been there over the weekend for functions. It seems like they are an easy target.”

Other cricket clubs have been rallying round to offer support.

Padiham Cricket Club said on Twitter: “Some real low-lifes in this world.

“Hope everyone at Haslingden Cricket Club is okay especially their female steward.”

Lancashire Cricket Board said it was ‘very sad to hear’ about the incident.

“We hope no one was hurt and police catch the perpetrators.”

A police spokeswoman said: “We were called at around 7.20pm on Sunday to reports of a robbery at Haslingden Cricket Club.

“Three men are reported to have entered the premises armed with a crowbar and a brick.

“They forced three people who were inside the club at the time into the store room before stealing cash from the till.

“They then made off from the scene.

“An investigation is underway and enquiries are on-going.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 1123 of January 8.