RAIDERS armed with a claw hammer escaped with thousands of pounds after attacking a security guard collecting cash paid into Reedley magistrates' court.

Two youths, one armed with the hammer, snatched a bag containing cash, cheques and postal ordersfrom the security guard as he left the magistrates court.

The middle-aged guard had just picked up the money and orders from the cashier's office at Reedley Court, near Burnley, and was walking to his security van in the rear yard of the courthouse when he was approached by one of the youths.

He threatened the guard, who has not been named, with a claw hammer and as the guard put his hands in the air the robber snatched the purple cloth money bag containing around £1,000 in cash and several thousands more in cheques and orders.

Both youths ran off down back Colne Road towards Reedley Road leaving the guard shaken but unhurt.

The robbery happened around 1pm yesterday. The guard raised the alarm and the police helicopter and dog handlers were called in to comb the area. Detectives conducted house to house inquiries in the area.

A court spokesman said: "The staff were in the offices and weren't aware anything was wrong until they heard the guard shouting he had been robbed. They immediately rang 999 and alerted the police."

The first youth, who was armed with the hammer, was described as white, aged between 16 and 20 years, of average height and build, with short dark hair. He was wearing a white tracksuit top with a Kappa logo down the arm and dark trousers.

The second robber was also white, of similar age, with dark hair and wearing dark clothing. Neither of the robbers was wearing a mask.

Anyone with any information about the robbery or who spotted anyone acting suspiciously is asked to contact police on 01282 863161.

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