FOUR men, one armed with a metal bar, burst into a Clayton-le-Moors window firm and threatened the manager.

The gang, who all had their faces hidden, struck at Safestyle UK, Falcon Court, on Clayton Business Park, on Saturday.

The 34-year-old manager was left shocked by the incident, which happened at around 9am. The gang escaped with envelopes containing staff wages, cheques and several thousand pounds in cash.

Police said the men fled down a path towards Chequers and Winkley Road where it is believed they got into a black Renault Clio, registration BT06 EBX.

Detective Sergeant Ian Procter of Blackburn CID said: “Fortunately the manager was unhurt but he has been left shaken by his ordeal. An investigation is under way but I’d appeal to anybody that saw a black Renault Clio acting suspiciously in the area or with any information that could assist us to contact police on 101.”

  • Two men, Leon Eccles, 30, of Millhill Street, and Samuel Daniels, 23, of Newchurch Close, both in Blackburn, have been charged with robbery in connection with the incident. They are due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court this morning.

A 24-year-old Blackburn man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and has been released on police bail.