DETECTIVES investigating an armed robbery at the Asda store in Rawtenstall are appealing for more help from the public.

Many people have been interviewed but more information is wanted particularly from anyone who may have seen the five man gang and their vehicles before or after Wednesday afternoon's raid, in which a shot was fired.

The masked gang armed with a shotgun, handguns, sledgehammer and saw escaped with what police and Asda describe as a substantial amount of money.

Asda have praised staff and have offered trauma counselling.

The shop, on Bocholt Way, was packed with customers when the robbers used two vehicles, a red Ford pickup and a red BMW, to block a Cash Co Royal Mail van.

Money was stolen from the van and from the store office where a shot was fired through a glass door.

The gang then escaped through woods to Fallbarn Road where they got into a Mitsubishi van and then switched to three cars, a silver Honda Legend, silver-grey Mondeo and a grey ex-GPO van. The Honda was later recovered at Shuttleworth.

Those cars are now undergoing forensic examination for clues.

Det Sgt Mike Collins said: "We are still appealing for people who saw the gang to come forward if they have not already been interviewed.''

Witnesses should contact Rossendale police on 01706 215242 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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