POLICE are appealing for help to catch two men who carried out a carefully planned burglary at an Altham-based firm.

The burglars broke into Lupton Brother's furniture makers, Venture Court industrial estate, late on Friday evening and got away with office equipment and cash.

They cut telephone wires before breaking into the building. They then made a thorough search of the premises and managed to force open a safe.

Luptons have recently moved from their 100-year-old factory in Portland Street, Accrington, to the brand new premises in Altham.

Police discovered the raid when a member of the public spotted the two men dumping a van stolen from the company in the early hours of Saturday morning in Coal Clough Lane, Burnley.

The thieves escaped with several hundred pounds worth of property including a fax machine and a small amount of cash. A blue van which has the company's name written on its side, registration D995 YHG, was also stolen by the intruders.

Detectives have already spoken to the women who saw the van being abandoned but she has not been able to give them detailed descriptions.

Police are urging anyone else who may have seen the two men driving the vehicle late on Friday night to contact them.

Det Inspector Jim Oldcorn, head of Accrington CID, said: "This was a carefully planned premeditated burglary and it is important we apprehend these two men as quickly as possible.

"Anyone who may have seen the two men driving away from the Venture Court premises or abandoning the vehicle in Burnley should contact us immediately.

"All calls will be treated with the strictest of confidence."

Contact Accrington police station on 01254 382141.

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