BALACLAVA-CLAD thieves broke into a Blackburn mosque before escaping with cash and power tools.

Two men forced their way into the Masjid-e-Saliheen mosque, in Didsbury Street, in the Whitebirk area of the town and caused ‘extensive damage’ to a number of locked doors inside as they searched the property, police said.

Officers said they stole more than £300 from a collection tin and power tools worth around the same value in what was the mosque’s third burglary in the past 12 months.

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Last year, two TVs were stolen, and some radios and another TV were taken during a break-in in July.

Officers investigating the latest break-in, which happened between 1.30am and 2.40am, yesterday appealed for witnesses and released pictures and descriptions of the burglars.

One was wearing a white padded jacket with two thick blue strips running down the arms, while the other was wearing a sky blue coloured rain jacket.

PC Anthony Blezard, from Blackburn Neighbourhood Police, said: “We are keen to speak to the two men in the images as they may be able to help us with our enquiries.

“It has been a very upsetting incident for the community and all of those that use the mosque, particularly as this isn’t the first time the premises has been burgled.

“Anyone with information about the men pictured, or anything that could help us with our enquiries should contact us directly.”

The burglary took place on Tuesday, October 7, but police have only just released details.

Anyone who recognises the thieves or has information about the burglary should call police on 101 or they could call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.