AN off-licence in Bacup that opened less than two months ago has been targeted by two masked raiders who stole more than £3,000 of stock.

The offenders broke into the Wine and Convenience Store in Burnley Road with a crowbar, using it to prise open the wooden front door, before filling their bags with alcohol and cigarettes.

PCSO Chris Hamer, of Rossendale Police, said: “This convenience store is a relatively new and small business just starting up in Bacup.

“They have taken a huge hit losing this amount of stock and it will obviously take its toll.

“It is possible that the stolen stock is being offered for sale in the local area, so we ask anyone in the community to contact us should they have any infor-mation.”

One of the thieves was described as of stocky build, tall, and wearing a light coloured balaclava, a light coloured hooded top with the hood up, dark and shiny tracksuit jacket and pants, with a reflective strip running centrally across the rear of the jacket.

The other burglar was of slim build, average height, wearing a light coloured bal-aclava, a light coloured three-quarter length outer jacket with hood up, dark denim jeans and white trainers.

The incident happened bet-ween 1.30am and 2am on Monday.

Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, or has been offered possible stolen goods, is urged to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anon-ymously, on 0800 555 111.