TWO weapons that may have been discarded in Blackburn town centre after an armed raid.

Staff at Ancient and Modern jewellers, New Market, Street, Blackburn were left terrified when armed raiders burst into the store on Wednesday at 4.15pm.

Police said they were searching for a samurai sword and a sledgehammer believed to have been carried by the three men.

An eyewitnesses described seeing three balaclava-clad men running down the street and getting into a silver car.

Police said an eye witnesses had seen what looked like a silver car driving up and down the road outside with its doors open.

A police spokesman said: "The three offenders joined two accomplices in a Vauxhall estate that made off towards King Georges Hall.

"A search of the area is being carried out to find the weapons, believed to be a samurai sword and a sledgehammer.

"Officers have also been conducting inquiries in the area and speaking to shoppers and traders.

"CCTV from the shop is also being reviewed.

"Although nobody was injured it was obviously very distressing for people working in the shop at the time.

"We are appealing for anyone who saw anything either before or after the raid to contact us."

The jewellers remained closed yesterday in what is traditionally a traders' busiest time of year.

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn Police on 01254 51212 and quote log 196eq or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.