ARMED robbers terrified staff at a Rawtenstall supermarket with a crow bar and stole a substantial amount of cash and cigarettes.

The gang walked into Kwik Save at Newhallhey near to Rawtenstall Railway Station at 7.45pm yesterday just before the store closed.

The three men, all wearing black ski masks or balaclavas and dark clothing, first went into the wines and spirits section where one climbed over the counter and stole cigarettes and verbally threatened and abused staff.

Another offender walked round and into the main part of the store and threatened the 24-year-old assistant manageress and demanded she open the safe and then stole a substantial amount of cash from the safe.

One offender was medium build and the other two were of stocky build.

Staff were shocked and shaken by the incident but otherwise uninjured. There were some customers in the store at the time but they were not injured.

Det Sgt Nikki Bithel said: "We are appealing for anyone who saw a vehicle in that area at the time to contact the police with any information."

Police were today still interviewing staff about the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rossendale CID on 01706 237442.