ARMED bandits terrified staff at a Preston supermarket before fleeing with a quantity of cigarettes.

Two raiders threatened a cashier with a handgun and a claw hammer at the Spar shop in Kent Street and demanded cash.

But when they realised the cashier couldn't open the till, they snatched as many cigarettes as possible before fleeing on foot.

The police helicopter was scrambled but the raiders escaped.

The robber wielding the handgun is described as a stocky Afro-Caribbean man, 5ft 7ins, aged 22-25, with a Preston accent.

He was wearing a black, hip-length bubble jacket, a mask and baseball cap.

The second raider is a white male, aged 22-25, 5ft 10ins, of average build with dark brown eyes.

He was wearing dark blue faded jeans, a blue - or black - and white scarf around his face and possibly a hat.

He also had a Preston accent. Both men wore glasses.

Detective Inspector Ian Ronald of Preston CID said: "The offence is a very serious one and it has left the people working at the shop frightened, upset and shocked.

"We're keen to talk to witnesses who saw the men either enter or leave the shop, around 9.45pm on Tuesday, June 1.

"I would urge anyone with details to phone Preston CID on (01772) 203203."

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