AN armed robber threatened a member of staff at the Marsden Building Society offices in Burnley Road, Padiham.

The robber who was thought to have a handgun left empty handed when a customer walked into the premises which are also the offices of solicitors Smith and Sutcliffe.

No money was taken.

The incident happened at 10am yesterday when an Asian male walked into the branch, threatened a woman cashier and demanded money.

DC Dave Groombridge said: "We are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area between 9.30am to just after 10am and who may have seen a vehicle going through the traffic lights in the town centre on red."

A man was arrested a short time later in Slade Lane, Padiham, and was taken to Burnley police station where he was still be questioned by detectives today.

A vehicle and an imitation firearm were recovered by police.

Anyone who can help police inquiries is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.