A member of staff at a rural Preston shop was headbutted and threatened with a meat cleaver according to police.

Preston Police have launched a witness appeal after the armed robbery on Tuesday (17 October) evening.

Three men wearing balaclavas entered the Spar in Alder Drive, Hoghton at around 9.50pm. They were armed with a metal bar and a meat cleaver.

A male staff member was physically forced to hand over cash. One of the gang headbutted the staff member.

The gang took cigarettes and alcohol from the shop before ordering another male staff member into an office area and demanding he open the safe.

Around £13,000 in cash was taken and the gang made off from the shop.

DS Chris Walsh from Preston CID said: “This was an extremely violent incident where a shop employee, just doing his job, was badly assaulted. Both he and the other worker have been left extremely shaken up by their ordeal.

“We think that the store was targeted and I would like to reassure people that there is not thought to be any wider threat to residents in the area, however, we have stepped up police patrols.

“If you have any information about the incident, please contact us as soon as possible.”

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One of the offenders is described as white, around 6ft and of medium build. Another is described as black, around 5ft 9ins, of medium build with a moustache. The last offender is described as white, around 5ft 7ins and was of slim build. All three were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Anyone with information can call Preston CID on 01772 209749 or if they fail to get an answer, 101, quoting incident reference 1585 of October 17th.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.