ARMED thieves raided Hapton Post Office making off with more than £2,000.

Two masked robbers struck shortly before 10am yesterday at the shop in Church Street, threatening staff with a large kerb stone before fleeing in a light blue Fiat Bravo which had been parked on Whitefield Street.

The car, which is believed to have been stolen from the Manchester area, was later found abandoned on Wordsworth Street.

An eye witness said: "I saw two young lads come running out with a big brick.

"They jumped into a car and sped off and I think they dumped it in the middle of the road.

"But it took the police about 20 minutes to get here."

Police believe the offenders, who spoke with local accents, may have used a path alongside the M65 possibly to get to a second vehicle near to junction 8 of the M65.

Det Sgt Graham Gallagher said: "A full search of the area has been conducted using officers and dog handlers and a number of witnesses are currently being interviewed.

"CCTV cameras in the area are also being checked and door-to-door inquiries will begin shortly.

"we are very keen to catch the people responsible for this and we are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward and contact the police.

"In particular, we want to speak to anyone who may have seen the offenders either on foot or in the car, anyone who may have seen the vehicle in the vicinity of the incident and anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious around the premises prior to the incident."

Anyone with any information is invited to contact DS Gallagher and his team at Burnley CID on 01282 425001 or they can call Crimestoppers free and confidentially on 0800 555 111.