DETECTIVES are probing a possible link between an armed robbery at an Accrington sub post office and a similar raid in Clayton-le-Moors more than three years ago.

They are also studying the files on similar raids in Lancaster and Preston.

A week ago today, masked robbers lay in wait for husband and wife John and Sandra Smith as they opened up Blackburn Road Post Office at 8.30am.

The terrified couple were threatened with a machete and a hammer and tied up. The raiders looted the safe.

In January 1994 masked robbers handcuffed two women and hit a cashier in the face before escaping with a five-figure cash haul from Clayton-le-Moors Post Office, Pickup Street. The robbers were believed to have hidden overnight in a first floor room.

Acting Detective Inspector Joe Kellett said officers investigating last week's robbery were looking at any similarities with other raids within Lancashire and neighbouring police forces.

They are studying the details of two post office robberies in Lancaster, another in Clayton-le-Moors and a fourth in Preston.

Mr Kellett said: "We have not established a definite link but there are similarities in the way the offences have been carried out."

Police are still appealing for information from the public about any suspicious activity around Blackburn Road.

Mr Kellett said it was a well-planned raid and the robbers may have watched the premises days, if not weeks, before the robbery.

Police still want to trace a dark Transit van and a white Toyota van seen driving quickly along Scaitcliffe Street around the time of the robbery.

Anyone with information can contact Accrington police on 01254 382141, or any police officer.

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