A MAN snatched a bag containing £5,480 in shop takings from a woman taking the cash to the post office.

Police believe he knew a shop worker would be carrying the money before he struck on Monday morning in Darwen town centre. But DS Ian Critchley, of Darwen CID, refused to reveal which shop was involved in order to protect its staff from further raids.

The 43-year-old woman was at the junction of Bolton Road and Woodville Terrace at around 10am when the man ran up and snatched the takings from behind. She was not threatened or hurt. A passer-by chased the thief for five minutes before losing him in an alleyway near Watery Lane.

Detectives recovered a black hat and a coat they believed belong to the man at a lodge on Watery Lane. The thief was described as white, in his thirties, with a chubby face, dark eyes, and of stocky build. He wore a bright red baseball cap and grey parker coat with fur on the hood.

DS Critchley said: "It would appear obvious he knew about the takings. It is quite a distinctive description and we have already spoken to a number of witnesses, but we are looking for more people to come forward." Darwen CID can be contacted onm 01254 353842.