Police are appealing for witnesses after an armed robbery at a jewellers in Kirkham.

At around 1.15pm two masked men entered George Banks Jewellers, Poulton Street, armed with an axe.

A number of items were taken before the men made off in a dark coloured BMW which was found abandoned on Sunnybank a short time later.

There were two members of staff inside the shop at the time.

Although they were left shaken, they were not physically injured.

Inspector Frank Walmsley, who is leading the investigation, said: "I would really like to speak to anybody who may have witnessed this robbery or indeed anybody who may have seen two men acting suspiciously before the robbery.

"We believe the men left the jewellers in a dark coloured BMW and I would urge anyone who thinks they may have seen this car either outside the shop or in the Sunnybank area to get in touch with police."

Anybody with any information should contact 01253 293933 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.