STAFF at Asda stores across East Lancashire have been put on red alert following a second armed raid in six weeks.

Two masked robbers escaped with a large amount of cash, believed to be around £10,000, when they swooped on the Asda store in Grimshaw Park, Blackburn.

Both the raiders were wearing masks and wigs and one was armed with a revolver.

The raid took place shortly after noon yesterday and was timed to coincide with a delivery of cash by a Royal Mail van at the side of the store.

Police are looking at similarities with a robbery at the Asda store in Rawtenstall last month. The robbery was also early on a Wednesday afternoon and four or five masked raiders escaped with a large amount of cash which was being delivered by a Royal Mail Cash Co van. In both incidents, getaway cars had been stolen in the Manchester area.

In the latest robbery, the men waited until the guard was given cash to take into the supermarket and then forced him to hand it over.

They then threatened an Asda cashier who was waiting for the delivery and forced her to hand over more money.

The men then escaped on foot along the side of the supermarket past the store's canteen and up a nearby embankment.

Detectives believe the robbers got into a blue Vauxhall Astra and a red Citroen AX parked in nearby Navigation Way. The Astra, which had been stolen in Radcliffe, Manchester, was found around an hour later abandoned in Eden Street in the Copy Nook area where it is thought a second car was waiting.

Both men were white and had covered their clothing in what appeared to be dark green plastic or waterproof sheets. One of them was carrying a dark blue bag.

Police want to talk to the driver of a red pick-up which caused a hold up at the exit of Asda around the time of the robbery. The driver was white and had a skinhead haircut.

Det Inspector Tony Harling said: "It appears these men had some local knowledge of the area and probably some planning went into the robbery.

"This offence was carried out at one of the busiest times of the day during the school holidays when a lot of children were about.

"We are appealing for anyone who may have seen these men getting into or out of the car immediately before or after the robbery."

A spokesman for Asda said: "Our major concern is that no members of staff or customers were harmed or injured in any way.

"Other than that we would not want to comment on the robbery."

Police are checking video tapes from the store's security cameras.

People with information should contact Blackburn CID on 01254 51212 or phone the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

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