Police appeal after masked gang rob Rawtenstall couple

The offence took place between 6-30pm and 6-45pm at a house in College Lane when three masked men in dark clothes entered through the front door when the male occupant had just returned from work.

The offenders assaulted the man and his wife in the course of stealing items, including a quantity of high value jewellery.

Police attended following a report from a neighbour and arrived shortly after but the offenders had fled. An investigation has been launched.

DI Jim Elston from Pendle CID said: “Fortunately the couple were not seriously injured but they were understandably shaken after a frightening ordeal.

“We’d appeal to anybody who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area, including any persons loitering or running away from the vicinity, or any vehicles that may have been suspicious or driving away at speed.

“It is possible those responsible have fled towards Staghills Road and then left in a vehicle along Newchurch Road toward Burnley Road East.

“Some property stolen in the robbery was recovered by police around a mile away in Law Street at the junction with Turnpike in Waterfoot.

“I’d reassure people that offences of this nature are not common in the neighbourhood and it appears this was a targeted crime.

“An investigation is underway and I’d appeal to anybody with any information about this offence to come forward and contact Lancashire Police on 101.”

People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.