FIVE ram-raids took place over seven hours this morning in East Lancashire.

The latest was reported to police at 8.30am in Blackburn town centre, while the first took place around 1.30am in Oswaldtwistle.

Police said the incidents, which are being linked, only saw the raiders access the properties at two of the sites.

Officers were called to the first incident in Vine Mill, Brookside Street, Oswaldtwistle, at 1.30am. The ram-raiders drove into shutters but were unable to gain entry.

The next was reported at 2.39am in Throstle Street, Blackburn, at the Go Outdoors shop. Again they did not manage to break in.

This was followed by a raid on industrial units in Grimshaw Street, Darwen, at 3.08am where computers and creates of spirits were stolen.

The Booker Cash and Carry, Amberley Street, Blackburn, was targeted at 6.34am. The ram-raiders did burgle this site but details have not been released of what was stolen.

And a raid at Howden’s Joinery in King Street, Blackburn, was called in at around 8.30am.

Officers have recovered an abandoned vehicle.

No further details have yet been released by police.