ROBBERS got away with £10,000 in a carbon copy raid on a security guard at a Burnley cash and carry store.

The Securicor officer was hit on the head during the attack at the Booker store in Gannow Lane.

The attack was almost identical to an incident in November when robbers got away with thousands of pounds. Securicor then offered a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders and that offer is to be updated.

Yesterday's incident happened at 4.35pm. The Securicor officer, who was wearing a helmet, had collected cash from a despatch hatch at the store and was about to place it in his van when he was attacked.

He resisted but received a blow to the head. The guard, a man in his late fifties, was protected by his helmet and although badly shocked was not hurt.

As the two struggled the bag tore in two. One half containing £10,000 in £20 notes was stolen.

The offender made off in a maroon Vauxhall Cavalier L637FBU stolen from Roegreave Road, Oswaldtwistle, overnight on June 19-20. It was driven by an accomplice who took no part in the actual attack and abandoned within minutes at the back of Lowerhouse Lane near the junction with Back Hordley Street.

House to house inquiries were made and the police helicopter was brought in to help with the search.

A witness reported that when the helicopter was over the scene a youth aged about 15 was seen hiding in bushes in Printers Fold. He is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall, with short dark hair. he was wearing a dark grey shirt, black trousers and was carrying a grey cash bag.

Det Insp Simon Leach said he couldn't connect that bag with Booker's. The youth may not be linked to the robbery and police have asked him to come forward so that he can be eliminated from inquiries.

Police also want to speak to the owners of white "tatty'' looking Ford Sierra, F278OCU, which was parked next to the Securicor van. It has not been claimed and police have been unable to trace the owners.

In November, robbers believed to be armed escaped with thousands of pounds after snatching cash from a security guard at the same store. In that attack a Securicor worker suffered a slight cut to a cheek when he fell against a trolley in a struggle with one of the attackers.

At least two robbers were involved in that raid which also happened in late afternoon on a Tuesday.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about yesterday's attack to contact Burnley CID on 01282 425001.

The man who carried out the attack is described as white, 5ft 9-11ins tall and slim. He was wearing dark clothing, dark sunglasses and a dark hat with a full trim. It is described as a "pork pie'' hat popular with youngsters aged 14 upwards.

The driver is also white. He was wearing a white woollen hat and sunglasses.

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