POLICE were waiting for an interpreter to help conduct a full interview of an Asian shopkeeper who was robbed by a gang of four men wearing balaclavas and carrying a baseball bat and a knife.
The 54-year-old owner of the general store on Spring Hill Road, Accrington, was working with his wife in the shop when four people came in and made threats towards them between 8.15pm and 8.21pm on Monday.
The robbers then moved towards the rear of the shop counter. The alarm was activated and they stole Benson and Hedges, Lambert and Butler and Silk Cut cigarettes, valued at £60, before leaving the shop.
They then ran down Spring Vale -- a small unlit track which runs parallel to Fairfield Street and emerges at Coal Pit Lane.
DS Mark Rothwell, Accrington CID, said: "The shopkeeper and his wife were very frightened and shocked by this incident.
"If anybody saw four males in the area of Spring Hill Road just before this incident they should call the police. All calls will be treated in confidence."
Anyone with information should call Accrington CID on 01254 353741 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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