TWO thieves made off with £4,500 in Asian rings in a jewellery store theft.

And police have now urged secondhand dealers to be on their guard for the 36 20-carat sovereign rings, which were stolen from Rahman Jewellers, Whalley Range, Blackburn, at 5.15pm on Wednesday.

Detectives said one of the crooks buzzed to be allowed into the shop and asked to look at a tray of sovereign rings.

The female shop assistant, who was busy with other customers, showed the rings and another man then buzzed to be allowed in.

She pressed the button to open the door but the man who was looking at the rings quickly put the tray inside his jacket and fled out of the shop.

Detectives believe the two men were working together.

One of the thieves was described as Asian, 5ft 7ins tall and in his 30s. He had a beard and wore black jogging pants.

The other was said to be Asian and 5ft 5ins tall.

Police urged anyone with information about the theft to call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.