OWNERS of high powered vehicles were today warned to be on the look out after masked men attacked a man and stole his turbo-charged car.

Detectives investigating the robbery at Daisyfield Business Park, Blackburn, say people who own powerful cars need to be extra vigilant though they stressed it was an isolated incident.

And they warned people not to tackle thieves if they were confronted.

Steve Woolley, 41, of Pleasington, Blackburn, was dragged out of his high powered Volvo S40 T4 by men wearing balaclavas who threatened him with a monkey wrench before making off with the car.

Police searched the area around Appleby Street, where Mr Woolley works as a manager at the firm Symology, but without success.

Det Sgt Neil Hunter, of Blackburn CID, said: "These two were very determined to get their hands on Mr Woolley's car, to such an extent that one of them even went to get the keys when he threw them over a nearby wall.

"It was definitely this particular car they were after and they weren't prepared to take no for an answer.

"People should not confront thieves in this sort of situation as that could result in somebody getting seriously hurt, which is what we want to avoid at all costs."

Carl Thomas, general manager of Lookers Audi in Eanam, Blackburn, said theft was a worry and they had security guards with dogs patrolling the forecourt at night to stop cars being stolen.

He said: "We do have to be very careful, especially with keys which all have to be locked up.

"We can't let customers out in vehicles on their own any more either, they have to go with a member of staff.

"The forecourt is guarded from the time we close up at night to when we open in the morning."

He added that Lookers Vauxhall in nearby Quarry Street had similar security measures.

Mr Woolley's car was registered J111 POP.

Police said the robbers were white, in their early 20s, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins, slim build, wearing black knitted balaclavas.

They are appealing for witnesses to call them on 01254 51212.