A HAMMER-wielding robber stole thousands of pounds in a raid on a Hyndburn shop.

It is the second time in less than four weeks that the Co-op in Clayton-le-Moors has been targeted in similar circumstances.

Police said a man threatened staff and demanded cash after entering the Pickup Street store at 10.35pm on Wednesday.

He then jumped over the counter before using his hammer to force open the tills. No exact figure on the amount of cash stolen in the latest raid has been released.

On Friday, January 14, a similar incident saw £2,000 stolen when a masked robber armed with a clawhammer targeted the shop at 10.45pm.

Detective Sergeant Paul Langley said: “I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and witnessed anything suspicious to come forward and contact police.

“Although nobody was hurt in this incident, the staff have been left physically shaken following their ordeal.

“This is the second time this store has been targeted in a month and we are linking both robberies.”

Wednesday’s incident saw the robber flee towards the car park off Wellington Street.

He is described as white, around 5’11” and was wearing a black jacket, tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

It is thought his accent was not local to the area.

Anyone with any information can call police on 0845 125 3545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.