DETECTIVES have been flooded with calls from people who saw a post office robbery, but they are still trying to trace a vital witness.

Masked raiders used sledgehammers to smash down security screens and escaped with a large amount of cash from Livesey Branch Road post office last Thursday afternoon.

A third masked man was waiting in a car outside and sped off with the men in the direction of Ewood.

The getaway vehicle nearly hit a blue metallic car, possibly a Nissan Micra. Detective Inspector Bob Eastwood, of Blackburn CID said: "We would like to speak to the driver of the blue car who could have a small piece of information which may prove vital to the investigation.

"These men are obviously dangerous criminals who are more than willing to use violence to get what they want.

"It is important we apprehend these people before they commit more crimes and put other members of the public in danger."

The thieves had a stolen silver Audi which was abandoned several minutes later at the junction of Albion Street and Slater Street.

The two men who burst into the post office were both white and in their early 20s. One of the men was 5ft 10in, with a medium build, and was wearing a navy blue track suit.

His accomplice was 5ft 6in, slim and was wearing a red top and beige trousers. The driver was dark skinned, possibly mixed race, in his early 20s with a clean shaven thin face.

People with information should ring Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

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