A SHOP worker was attacked by a robber who snatched two Rolex watches from an Accrington pawn brokers.

The watches, worth £6,000, were grabbed from Cash Convertors in Broadway, in town centre.

A man had asked to view the Rolex Oyster Perpetual and a Breitling Crosswind before striking the shop assistant, snatching the watches and running off towards Eastgate.

DS Eric Halford, of Hyndburn CID said: “We’re treating this offence as a robbery and I’d appeal for anyone who may have information regarding this incident, or anyone who has seen a man matching this description at the time of the incident in and around Accrington town centre to come forward.

“I’m also keen to speak with people who believe they may know the identity of this man or have been approached to buy such a watch in the recent days.”

CCTV images taken during the incident, which happened around 11.40am on Friday, have only just been released. The robber is described as black, around 35-years-old, of medium build and 5 ft 10 inches tall.

He spoke with a southern accent and wore smart clothing, including possibly a dark waterproof or tweed type jacket with a flat cap.

He was also wearing a Rolex watch.

Wayne Greet, area manager at Cash Converters, said: “We are very shocked at the recent events that happened at our Broadway store. Fortunately the member of staff involved wasn’t badly hurt during the robbery.

“We have a policy to only show one item of jewellery to the customer at any time. This thief was opportune and used force to snatch the items.

"We are working closely with the police to help them with their enquiries and have shared our CCTV."

Anyone with information call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.