Lancashire Constabulary is to hold a special interactive web chat to discuss the importance of staying safe online on Safer Internet Day, Tuesday 7 February.

This year the campaign is centred on the theme “connecting generations and educating each other” and Lancashire Constabulary is asking young and old people to come together to “discover the digital world together”.

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Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Stewart, public protection team, will be holding the web chat, via the force website and simultaneously on their Facebook page.

Residents are invited to submit their online safety questions to her between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Tuesday 7 Feburary.

She said: “The internet is now a major part of most people’s lives so it is important that it is being used safely.

“The fact that they internet is now in most people’s homes and places of work means it is easier for criminals to target people online.

“We have seen a rise in child sexual exploitation as a result of unsupervised use of social networking sites and predators grooming youngsters via computers.

“Young people are often more au fait with what’s going on on the internet, but they may not be quite as savvy when it comes to online safety.

“Therefore, we’re asking parents, carers and teachers to work with young people to advise them about how to protect themselves while on the internet, and youngsters can then return the favour by sharing their knowledge too.”

Detectives are appealing for information from the public following an armed robbery at a Spar shop in a village south of Preston on Wednesday morning.

The robbery took place shortly after 6.30am when two men entered the Spar shop on  Liverpool Old Road at Walmer Bridge.

The men, each carrying what appears to be a long piece of wood and with their faces covered, threatened the staff members within the shop before climbing over the counter and stealing a large quantity of cigarettes and running out of the shop.

The first man is described as about 5’8”/5’9” tall, medium build wearing a hooded top and facial covering.

The second man is described as between 5’8/5’9” tall, slim build also wearing a hooded top and facial covering. This man was also carrying a large, beige coloured linen style bag.

Detective Inspector John Roy from South Ribble CID said: “Fortunately none of the staff have been injured during the robbery but this has been a very frightening experience for them.

“An investigation is underway but I would urge anybody that witnessed this incident or with any information that could assist to contact Lancashire Police on 101.

“In particular I would urge any customers that were in the store at the time of the offence to come forward as they could be key witnesses.”