MASKED raiders punched a pub landlady to the floor and tied her up before making off with the week's takings.

Three men wearing black balaclavas - one wielding a baseball bat - burst into the Old England on Ribbleton Lane, Preston just as licensee Joanne Shearer was locking up on Sunday night (June 15).

They forced the terrified 29-year-old upstairs and ordered her to empty the safe.

The attackers pushed the woman downstairs where they tore out the telephone and smashed up the jukebox, arcade games and vending machines, stealing cash and charity collection boxes.

They made their getaway after tying Joanne's hands and feet with electric cable.

It took the petrified pub manager more than two hours to struggle free and call the police from an outside phonebox.

She was taken to Royal Preston Hospital to be treated for shock and is now receiving counselling.

Police have described the attack as "violent and despicable", and are urging people in the pub or nearby area with any information to get in touch. The robbery took place from 11.15pm on June 15.

Contact the police on 203203 if you can help, or call Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111.

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