SUSPECTED shoplifters tried to take £5,000 of jewellery from a Blackburn shop.

Officers were called to Rahman Jewellers, in Whalley Range, after a member of staff realised a tray of gold rings had gone missing from one of the glass display cabinets.

Assistant manager Waheed Rahman, said she called the police as soon as she realised something was wrong. She said the theft appeared to have happened when staff were distracted by a number of people in the shop.

The 33-year-old said: “The rings are worth several thousands of pounds.

“When I noticed the tray of rings was missing I went to check the CCTV and called the police.”

The incident happened at around 2.45pm on Saturday .

A police spokesman said: “The offence was caught on CCTV.

“The shop owner realised something was being stolen and called the police.

“Anyone with information should contact police on 101.”

A 24-year-old woman from Moston, near Manchester, has been charged for shoplifting.

A 45-year-old man, again from Moston, also arrested on suspicion of shoplifting, was released on police bail until January 9.