MASKED intruders who attacked a landlord and two women during a raid on a pub have been described as using “violence for the sake of violence”.

Police said the armed robbers burst into the Whitaker Arms pub in Burnley Road, Accrington, early this morning, brandishing baseball bats and shouting threats.

They then attacked two female customers and left the landlord with severe bruising and facial cuts - despite meeting little resistance.

The men are thought to have possibly entered through the front door before coming into the bar area.

Shouting threats and brandishing weapons, which possibly included knives, they assaulted the landlord while demanding money before taking hundreds in cash from behind the bar.

During the course of the robbery they also assaulted the two female customers and stole a handbag containing personal items.

The landlord and the two women, who suffered bruising, were taken to hospital following the incident but were released during the day.

Detective Inspector Steve Dowson of Accrington CID said: “The landlord realised he was outnumbered and went along with their demands but was attacked regardless.

"It was a very nasty assault and the level of violence used was excessive - it was violence for the sake of violence.

“It has been incredibly distressing for the victims. Something like this can be a massive knock to your confidence.”

A woman connected with one of the victims, who did not want to be named, said: "They took a baseball bat to a woman.

"If she hadn't ran and managed to lock herself in the toilets, she'd have been very badly hurt.

"Everyone who was there is in complete shock this morning and just trying to come to terms with it all."

Police believe the masked men made off in a black Golf, 54 reg. An investigation is underway and officers are appealing to anyone who saw what happened or who has any information to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Accrington CID on 01254 353741 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.