THE owner of a store specialising in exclusive designer clothing has been devastated by a burglary at his exclusive shop.

Thieves broke through two layers of protective shutters and smashed through the door to get into the Remy shop in Bank Street, Rawtenstall, owned by David Beardsworth.

Six rails of clothing with an estimated value of £16,000 were stolen. Damage to the building is estimated at an additional £2,000.

Detectives are appealing for any witnesses to the raid which happened at 11.30pm on Friday. It is thought a white estate car may have been involved.

Mr Beardsworth, who opened the store seven years ago, said: "They cleaned out one side of the shop.

"Six full rails of clothing were stolen, including Sonneti shirts and tops, Full Circle shirts, knitwear and a full rail of leather coats which each sell for between two and three hundred pounds. That rail alone must have been worth four thousand pounds."

He added: "They smashed their way through two shutters and a mortice lock door. When thieves are that determined, there is little you can do to stop them getting in."

Workmen were at the shop on Saturday morning, fitting a new door and shutters.

Mr Beardsworth added: "The last incident of this nature was about four years ago when ram raiders drove a car through the window. At least it proves we must be selling the right stuff."

Police are appealing for anyone with information or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area to contact Rossendale CID on 01706 237442 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.