UP to 15 cars were stolen from a car dealership in Blackburn.

Police were called to Discount Tyres in Harrison Street following the raid which happened between 9pm on Wednesday and 8.45am on Thursday.

Police said the gates to the site were broken and several cars including an Audi A4 S-line, a Volkswagen Golf GTI, a Nissan Micra, a Vauxhall Zafira, a Honda Jazz, a Honda CR-V, a Skoda Superb, a Toyota Aygo, a Toyota Prius, a Vauxhall Corsa and a Seat Alhambra were stolen from the site.

Sgt Shelley Parker said six of the 15 cars have been recovered by officers and investigations are taking place to find the remaining nine.

Staff at neighbouring businesses said police were at the site throughout Thursday and Friday.

One worker said: “We are all confused how the people involved got all the cars out at once.

“It’s really worrying to think there’s people out there who are willing to do this.

“The forecourt just looks empty now.”

A neighbour in Canterbury Street said: “I can’t believe all the cars have been taken.

“The owner must be absolutely devastated. The lot looks empty now all the cars have gone.

“I hope the police can find them soon.”

At around 11am on Thursday, the Volkswagen GTI was noticed by officers who pursued the car to Hardman Street in the town. A 43-year-old man, and a 41-year-old woman from Preston was arrested at around noon on suspicion of dangerous driving, drug driving and burglary.

A police dog team spokesman said the two people ran away from the car.

The spokesman said: “Police dog Apol turned out from training nearby and attended.

“He tracked both offenders who were laid down in a garden.”

The Vauxhall Zafira was found and a 29-year-old man, from Preston, was arrested on suspicion of the same offences.

They have all been released pending further investigation.

The cars that remain outstanding are a blue Vauxhall Corsa, a silver Skoda Superb, a grey Honda CR-V, a red Seat Alhambra, a silver Toyota Prius, a black Vauxhall Corsa, a black Volkswagen Bora, a blue Toyota Aygo and a silver Vauxhall Astra RSI.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.