POLICE have launched a manhunt after £8,500 was stolen from the safe of a Wetherspoons pub.

The cash was taken from The Commercial Hotel, Church Street, Accrington, and officers have said they want to speak to a 52-year-old man in connection with the theft.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands that man is the pub's duty manager Phil Barlow who has travelled to Bangkok, Thailand.

Police last night confirmed that no arrests had been made in relation to the incident and is being treated as theft by an employee.

A police spokesman said: "We were called at 2.30pm on October 30 to reports of a theft from The Commercial Hotel, Accrington. It was reported that £8,500 was taken on October 28.

"We would like to speak to a 52-year-old man in connection with the incident.

"It is currently being treated as a theft by an employee.

"The investigation is ongoing but no arrests have been made so far."

A spokesman for Wetherspoons declined to comment.

The Commercial, which is located on Church Street, was known as The Regency Hotel before it was taken over by Wetherspoons in 2011.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log reference LC-20171030-0791. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.