A SHOPKEEPER said he had been left "sickened" after thieves stole £8,000 in takings as he went to deposit the cash at a Blackburn bank.

Malkit Aujal, 54, owner of the Spar Shop, Rothesay Road, Shadsworth, has put up a £500 reward for information to find the offender.

Police said Mr Aujal gave chased the robber who grabbed the bag of money from his hands in Gate Street.

He was on his way to Natwest bank to deposit four days' takings when he was approached by the thief from behind at 10.25am on Friday.

He said: "I am extremely shocked. I feel sickened somebody would do this.

"My wife has been in tears ever since it happened. I am prepared to offer a reward to help catch the person who did this."

Detective Sergeant Paul Ryan, of Blackburn CID, said: "The victim was locking his vehicle and had the money in one hand when he was approached. The offender grabbed his bag of money and made off.

"There was a very short chase by the victim, who saw the offender getting into a small panel white van.

"The van has driven at speed up Gate Street in the direction of Ordnance Street and then lhe ost sight of it. It would seem the offender had an accomplice waiting for him in the vehicle."

The robber is described as aged between 20 and 40, between 5ft5ins and 5ft7ins, medium build, with a roundish face, wearing either white overalls or a white top and a dark woollen bob hat.

Police are now reviewing CCTV footage from the area. Anyone with information scout the incident is asked to contact Blackburn Police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.