HUNDREDS of cigarettes were stolen in raids on two East Lancashire shops.

The burglaries, thought to be connected, happened in Oswaldtwistle and Clitheroe overnight on Saturday.

Police fear the cigarettes will now be sold on the black market - and officers urged the public to come forward if they were offered any.

Thieves broke into Union Road Newsagents, Oswaldtwistle, shortly after midnight.

A second break-in happened at about 5am at Primrose Garage, Whalley Road, Clitheroe, where thieves made off with a "substantial amount" of cigarettes.

At Union Road, the thieves broke in through the front door.

Many cigarettes were left behind when they were disturbed by tenants above the shop. Four men were seen fleeing in a Jaguar-type car.

At Primrose Garage, the burglars smashed a window to get inside.

Detective Sergeant Paul Rudd, of Accrington CID said: "The two are probably connected since the first burglary was disturbed and many of the packets of cigarettes were left behind.

"The second theft just five hours later could have been a second attempt by the thieves.

"We would appeal to anyone who saw anything at either shops to come forward.

"In both burglaries, force was used to enter the properties and would have caused some level of noise.

"We would also urge any members of the public who are approached by anyone trying to sell cigarettes they suspect may be stolen to also report this to us."

Neither shops were available for comment last night.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Accrington CID on 01254 353 753.