A 51-year old businessman said he faces ruin after his fashion boutique was hit by night time raiders.

Mohammed Shaheen of Real Deal Fashions based on Johnston Street, Blackburn said clothes and jewellery worth more than £20,000 were stolen.

The shop only opened in May of this year and more than 580 outfits were taken between 7.45pm and 10.45pm on Thursday August 28.

Police said thieves managed to get into the premises by breaking down a back door.

Mr Shaheen said: "I have not been able to sleep since the robbery happened. They have taken everything.

"The clothes we had were unique and we had ordered most of them from Pakistan where they were specially made."

Among the clothes stolen were very distinctive women's lengha suits, men's wedding shirvani's, more than 300 casual wear suits and designer headscarves.

Mr Shaheen added: "The brand names taken included Expression and Henna.

"We were due to get an alarm fitted this week. We were not insured and were about to do that after we fitted the alarm."

"I would urge anyone who knows anything about this to come forward. I want to appeal to the community to help us find our stock."

Mr Shaheen also said a "handsome reward" was being offered for anyone who gave information about the burglary which led to an arrest.

Police said no witnesses had come forward.

DC Keith Rimmer said the thieves could have loaded a van in nearby Shaw Close. He added, "The yard of Real Deal drops down into Shaw Close so the clothes could have been moved in that direction."

Anyone with information can contact Blackburn CID on 01254 353563 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.