FORENSIC experts are to examine a car police believe was used in an armed robbery in Blackburn town centre.

The Vauxhall Astra was found abandoned in Oxford Close, Blackburn, yesterday afternoon.

Detectives believe the dark green car was the one used by a masked gang who raided a Securicor van outside the HSBC bank, in Church Street, on Tuesday morning.

Eyewitness reported seeing one of the three raiders attack a guard with an axe.

Although police have been unable to confirm what type of weapon was used, Securicor said the guard's helmet prevented serious injury.

Detective Inspector Simon Giles said experts would now conduct a thorough examination of the car, which was stolen from Liverpool over two weeks ago.

Mr Giles said the car could have been in Blackburn for sometime. He added: "We would like to hear from anyone who saw the car being left in Oxford Road or anyone who saw it being driven before the robbery to come forward."

According to Mr Giles, there had already been a good response from the public and police are still examining footage from CCTV cameras in Blackburn town centre.

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn CID on 10254 353562 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.