POLICE have released CCTV images of two people who they want to speak to in relation to a theft at a pub. 

The theft saw £3,500 of takings stolen from the Warners Arms, Warner Street, Accrington, at around 1.15am today.

The money was taken from the safe and till drawers of the pub. 

Officers want to speak to the two people pictured to help them assist in their investigation into the theft. 

They believe the individuals have links to Accrington, Morecambe and Wigan.

Cllr Tony Dobson, leader of the Conservative group on Hyndburn Council and owner of The Arcade Bar and The Attic in Accrington, said the theft was ‘extremely disappointing.”

He said: “A theft like this is not going to help the tenant of the pub.

“It’s a warning to everyone to be on your guard as there are opportunistic thieves out there.

“This pub is a hardworking business trying to make a living and put something back into the town.

“The whole town’s nighttime economy is struggling a little and the public are not coming to the town in the way they are to Clitheroe, Whalley and Darwen, so things like this theft don’t help.

“I hope the police catch the perpetrators.”

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said the theft was ‘appalling’.

He said: “For any establishment that has had a theft, it affects their business.

“I hope that the CCTV coverage will encourage people to come forward.

“The is appalling and I hope the perpetrators are caught.”

Anyone who knows the two people should contact police on 101, quoting crime reference ED1804261, e-mail PC 4456 OGDEN 4456@lancashire.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.