DETECTIVES have issued CCTV images of a smash-and-grab raid on a jewellers in Rossendale.

Police are hoping that eyewitnesses will recall seeing a striking orange helmet, with yellow flashes, which was worn by a raider who targeted Janet Isherwoods on Kay Street, at around 4.40pm on Thursday.

An image of the yellow Triumph motorbike, on which he fled with an accomplice, has also been released by Rossendale CID.

Shop assistants at the jewellers were getting ready to leave for the day when a man entered the store.

He smashed the display cabinet with a "large silver tool", possibly a hammer then escaped with a haul of jewellery, said to be worth a substantial amount of money.

Two members of staff were working at the time, but police said they were not threatened.

The accomplice was waiting outside the shop on the stolen Triumph bike. This was later found abandoned nearby and the pair are thought to have fled on foot.

Det Sgt Phil Turner, of Rossendale CID, said that shortly before the offence was committed, an eyewitness saw two men in motorcycle helmets on the car park at the rear of Kay Street.

Staff at the jewellery store had heard a motorcycle revving its engine at the side of the shop.

DS Turner added: "The man didn't say anything when he entered the store. Staff members were able to lock themselves in a secure area when they realised what was happening.

"It was literally a smash and grab. He was in there for a matter of seconds."

The offenders were described as around 5ft 8ins, of medium to slim build, wearing jackets.

One was wearing a red motorcycle helmet with a white horizontal stripe; the other helmet was dark.

Police have conducted door-to-door inquiries and searches of the area, particularly to track down the hammer believed to have been used in the incident.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to contact Rawtenstall CID on 01706 237442 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.