A GANG of robbers tied up three terrified warehouse workers before stealing a haul of cigarettes.

The balaclava-clad men struck early yesterday morning at the Edge’s site, Geddes Street, Cherry Tree, Blackburn, as staff loaded up a delivery vehicle.

Detectives did not know last night how many cigarettes were taken but the warehouse is understood to store thousands of packets.

Police said at least three but possibly more robbers pulled up in a white Mercedes Sprinter van at about 8am.

They forced three male members of staff into a room in the warehouse.

The employees were then tied up with cable and tape while the robbers, who spoke with Liverpool accents, loaded up their van with cigarettes and possibly money, detectives said.

Police said the robbers did not use weapons. The workers were uninjured but ‘traumatised’ by the attack.

Detective Inspector Mark Winstanley said: “This appears to be a well-planned attack carried out at a very busy time of the morning.

“The three employees are not hurt but are very shaken. It was clearly a very traumatic experience for them.

“Clearly this happened at a very busy time of day so we would like to speak to anyone who ay have seen anybody acting suspiciously or anybody who may have seen a white Mercedes Sprinter van possibly being driven at speed or erratically.”

Mr Winstanley said detectives were due to check CCTV from the area and were yesterday carrying out door-to-door inquiries.

They are also investigating a report of an attempted break-in at the warehouse ‘some time in the past’.

Craig Waddington, 48, who lives in Geddes Street, said: “I didn’t see it. I just heard the police turn up.

“But that place has been done over before so I am not surprised at all.

“It has even been ram-raided in the past.”

Another resident said: “The police came round and told us what had happened.

"It is shocking and not what you expect around here.”

Call police on 08451 253545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.