TERRIFIED staff were threatened as three masked raiders rampaged through a jewellers with baseball bats and hammers.

As we reported in our final edition yesterday, raiders had struck earlier in the day at Humberstones Watch and Diamond Gallery, King William Street, Blackburn.

Police have now released the full details of the robbery after interviewing key witnesses in the afternoon.

Robbers smashed through the door with the weapons at 10.35am and threatened staff before shattering glass cabinets containing watches and jewellery. They put items into several bags before fleeing in a silver Skoda Octavia, registration Y566 GBA.

It sped off towards Preston New Road, swerving onto the wrong side of the road to pass through a red light.

The car was found abandoned in Brantfell Road, off East Park Road, less than a mile from the scene.

Police said the jewellery and watches taken were worth a substantial amount.

Detective Sergeant Gary Dunnagan, of Blackburn CID, added: "The staff did not come to any harm but they were threatened. It was a violent attack in which the staff were absolutely terrified."

Mark Humberstone, director of the business, which also has a shop in Gisburn Road, Barrowford, yesterday said he had too many things to sort out to talk about the incident.

Police were conducting door-to-door inquiries at all the shops in King William Street and Preston New Road in the hunt for clues about the raiders, who were wearing dark clothes and balaclavas.

Det Sgt Dunnagan added: "A considerable number of witnesses have already come forward, but vital eye witness evidence is still required.If you have any information about the robbery, please contact Blackburn CID or Crimestoppers."

Call the CID office on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.