A DEVASTATED shop owner has spoken out about his distress after his store was broken into in the middle of the night.

The Premier Convenience store on Church Street in Padiham was targeted by thieves in the early hours of Friday morning.

The pair broke down the back door of the store before gaining access and rummaging around behind the till, eventually gaining access to the cash float which had been left inside overnight.

The store’s owner was alerted to the break-in and was able to call the police immediately but by the time they arrived, the two suspects had fled with the cash.

Speaking about the break-in, shop owner Mohammed, known by locals as Jimmy said: “I have only owned this shop for five months and in that time I have had to deal with the coronavirus pandemic hitting us hard and now this.

“It is unbelievable and absolutely ridiculous.

“They came from the back door in the alleyway and managed to get off with the cash drawer with £200 float in it.

“I am devastated. This is my very first shop - I’ve not even been here very long and I’ve been broken in to. It is a very hard time for us.”

Jimmy said his business had faced further struggles since the outbreak of the pandemic as he had been unable to access the government's coronavirus small business support scheme, which has provided a vital life-line for many thousands across the country.

A police spokesman confirmed that they had been called and that a investigation had been launched.

In a statement they said: “We were called to reports of a burglary at a commercial premises on Church Street, Padiham, just before 1.30am today (July 17).

“Unknown offenders have forced their way into the rear of the premises, made their way to the till and left the premises with cash. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”

CCTV images from inside the shop show the two offenders, with their hoods up, looking at the alcohol selection inside the store before making their way over to the till.

They can then be seen wandering around before running back out towards the direction of the door that they had gained access to the shop through.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting log 0091 of July 17th, 2020.