Rishton motorist robbed at knife point

Police were called to the incident in Walmsley Street, Rishton shortly before 5pm on Wednesday following reports that a motorist had been rammed by a car and robbed by four men.

Police said the 26-year-old man had been driving a Volkswagen Polo when his vehicle was rammed by a dark blue Volkswagen Golf. A second car then pulled up behind the first Golf and two men got out of each vehicle.

The driver was then threatened with a knife before the offenders took cash, drills and tools from the victim’s boot and made off from the scene police said.

A Volkswagen Golf was later recovered by police in Spring Street, the second vehicle is still to be located.

Police are appealing for information following the incident, particularly any drivers who saw both vehicles being driven erratically in the area before the collision.

Det Con Lee Walker, of Burnley CID, said: “We have launched an investigation following a robbery in Rishton.

“A motorist has had his car rammed before being threatened with a knife and robbed by four men.

“We believe the offending vehicles were being driven in an erratic and extremely dangerous manner before the incident.

“We also understand a man in a red car pulled up alongside the victim following the collision to say both cars had nearly crashed into him earlier.

“We are particularly keen to speak to the driver of this red vehicle, as well as anyone who may have seen either vehicle being driven in an erratic manner in the Rishton area between 4.30pm and 5pm.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 01282 472205 quoting crime reference ED1800614.

Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.