A WOMAN was injured when burglars smashed their way into a Post Office and stole a 'significant amount' of cash.

The raiders struck just after the Rishton shop had closed while a member of staff was cashing up on.

At least two men smashed through a side window of the shop in High Street at 5.25pm on Friday before threatening and assaulting the woman.

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She was left with injuries although they were not thought to be serious.

The window was boarded up that night and the shop was closed on Saturday. It is not known whether it will reopen today.

Two regulars at the nearby Roebuck Inn apparently tried to tackle the offenders as they fled with the cash, but were unable to detain them.

A police spokesman said: "A number of members of the public witnessed the robbery and bravely tried to stop the offenders escaping.

"One robber was seen running down the High Street towards the canal bridge.

"A second and third offender ran off along George Street on to Hicks Terrace.

"Initial inquiries suggest the offenders were a mixture of white and Asian men and wearing high visibility jackets."

Rishton councillor Clare Cleary said: "It is appalling and shocking, especially when it happens on your doorstep.

"It is quite a vulnerable Post Office because it is quite an old fashioned layout.

"You think things like that happen in big cities, not in places like Rishton which has quite a low crime rate."

The Post Office was only taken over by former teacher Saima Iqbal, from Preston, last year.

Saima, who runs the business with her brother, Mohammed, left a career in teaching to fulfil her lifelong dream of owning a Post Office.

Coun Cleary added: "She has only been there a short time and they are nice people.

"It is sad because you need Post Offices in places like Rishton because they are a community hub.

"We nearly lost our Post Office a few years ago and we launched a petition to save it.

"I just hope the member of staff who was attacked makes a quick recovery."

Police have appealed for witnesses to contact them and are especially interested in hearing from anyone who may have CCTV.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log number 1004 of November 7 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.