A GANG of Eastern Europeans who distract shopkeepers by dancing while they steal gold are targeting the county.

Police have released CCTV images of a gang which struck in Blackburn, Oswaldtwistle, Darwen and believe they may be connected to bizarre incidents in Nelson.

It follows two raids in Nelson last month where up to 12 Romanians used traditional dancing to distract shopkeepers.

Thousands of pounds worth of jewellery was taken after the gang struck at Gilani Food store, Leeds Road, and the newsagents in Barkerhouse Road.

In the latest incident a gang attempted to distract the shop keeper at Niluf Mini Market in Livesey Branch Road.

They put the shopkeeper off his guard by trying to pay for goods in large denomination notes while gold jewellery was plundered from the living quarters.

Police are appealing for a customer who witnessed the offence to come forward.

DC Dan Perkins said: "We are linking this incident to a number of similar offences which have occurred in the Darwen and Oswaldtwistle areas.

"Officers at headquarters are also investigating whether these incidents are connected to the offences in Nelson.

"There's a possibility that they could be connected.

"I advise shopkeepers of grocery stores to remain vigilant and on guard against this kind of offence.

"Anyone who believes they have been targeted by these offenders should contact police immediately.

"I also appeal to the people shown in the CCTV images to come forward so they can be eliminated from our inquiries.

"Clearly this group is very professional and I believe they may be operating throughout the county."

On May, 7 a gang struck at Sudellside Grocers, Darwen, although the shopkeeper became suspicious and the suspects left the store empty handed.

A similar offence occurred at Boozebuster, Union Road, Blackburn Oswaldwistle, on May, 6 when the shop keeper was distracted.

Offenders entered the store and stole a large amount of cash.

On April 30 a similar offence occurred at Garden Village stores, Darwen, where offenders stole a large amount of cash after distracting the shop keeper.

Two females who were operating as part of the group, made a search of the till before the group made off with the cash.

DC Perkins added: "I appeal to anyone who can help us to identify these people to contact police.

"We are also keen to speak with a customer who went to the shop in Blackburn.

"He is not connected with the offence but he entered the store while the crime was being committed.

"We would like to speak with this man as he may have seen the car the offenders were using or the direction they left in.

"We believe he may have crucial information to assist with our inquiries."

The man was a white, in his late 30s or early 40s, 5ft 10ins, with proportionate build and dark hair.

He was wearing blue jeans, white trainers, a dark top and a red anorak style jacket with grey shoulder and waist band stripes and a white band on the arms.

The man was with a young girl, aged between four and five, with blonde hair, wearing a pink jacket with beige fluffy lines across the jacket which had no sleeves and a hood.

She was wearing purple or maroon leggings and boots.