DETECTIVES investigating an armed robbery at a Bargain Booze have released CCTV images of a suspect.

The incident happened at the off-licence in Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, when a man threatened the manager with an axe, before escaping with £190 in cash and a bottle of champagne.

The man is described as black, 5ft 7in and of a stocky build.

He was wearing a yellow high visibility jacket and white work style trousers.

He was also wearing a blue patterned bandana covering the lower part of his face and had gloves on.

He is believed to have been carrying a short handled axe.

DC Haydn Sibley, of East Lancashire CID, said: “Our enquiries into the robbery remain ongoing and I would urge anyone who has any information that could assist with our investigation to come forward.

"We are keen to trace the man pictured in the CCTV images and if anybody recognises him I would urge them to contact us.”

Following the incident a 27-year-old man from Manchester was arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply and a 30-year-old man from Manchester was arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.

They have since been released without charge.

Nobody was injured in the robbery but shortly after the incident business owners, residents and politicians spoke of their shock at the incident.

Rossendale councillor Christine Lamb, who represents the Stacksteads ward, said: “It’s very frightening and really very worrying, especially as this is very unusual for this area as we have quite a low crime rate.

"I’m sure the police will catch whoever is responsible.

"I’m just glad nobody was hurt.”

A resident, added: “It’s shocking. It’s not the kind of thing you expect.”

Bargain Booze did not wish to comment when contacted by the Lancashire Telegraph.

Anyone with information about the armed robbery, which happened at around 4.30pm on Wednesday, November 18, is asked to call police on 101, quoting crime reference EF1507987.