CCTV has been released as police investigate a knifepoint robbery in Padiham.

Police were called to a Best One store, on Burnley Road, just before 7.45am, on Tuesday (October 1).

Officers say the suspects grabbed the victim and demanded that he open the till.

When the victim refused, one of the suspects reportedly produced a kitchen knife and threatened him with it.

After attempting to open the till with the knife, the suspects allegedly emptied £600 of cigarettes from a cigarette cabinet into a black rucksack and left the store, police say.

No arrests have been made and anyone with information has been asked to come forward.

A police spokesperson said: “Do you recognise the men in the CCTV footage?

“We want to speak to them about a knifepoint robbery which happened at the Best One shop in Burnley Road, Padiham, just before 7.45am on Tuesday.

“The suspects, who were wearing face coverings, went into the store, grabbed the victim and demanded that he open the till.

“When the victim refused, one of the suspects [allegedly] produced a kitchen knife and threatened him with it.

“Having attempted to prize open the till with the knife, the suspects [allegedly] emptied £600 of cigarettes from a cigarette cabinet into a black rucksack and left the store.

“This offence was committed against a hardworking, popular shopkeeper and we know the local community will be angered by it.

“Although nobody has been arrested at this time, we have a dedicated team of officers assigned to this case who are determined to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“As part of those enquiries we are releasing the attached footage. Although the individuals have their faces covered, we know somebody will recognise them by what they are wearing or by their distinctive movements.

“Anyone with information is asked to email 4488@lancashire.police.uk or call 101. Quote log 188 of October 1.”