AN Eddie Stobart lorry has been raided in a 'planned and organised' robbery.

The truck was parked up in a layby close to Spring Wood Picnic Site in Accrington Road, Whalley, at 9am yesterday when the attempted robbery took place.

A police spokesman said, as the driver stepped out of the cab for a cigarette, two or three men cut the security seal on the back of the lorry to get inside the trailer.

A black Vauxhall car was then driven towards the driver, who jumped back into the cab and started the engine which disturbed the raiders.

The men then fled, empty handed, in a silver Peugeot and the black Vauxhall towards the M65.

Det Con David Bowler said: “We believe this was a planned and organised robbery and are trying to trace the offenders.

“If anyone has any dash cam footage or saw these two vehicles between 8.55am and 9.05am, we’d really like to speak to them.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 01254 353968 or alternatively 101 quoting ref 0306 of April 18.