Police are hunting four men after they stole cash and cigarettes from a garage in Lea.

During the early hours of Wednesday 7 March officers were called to reports of a burglary at the BP Lea garage in Blackpool Road.

The men forced their way into the garage around 1am.

Once inside they took cash and a large quantity of Lambert and Butler and Sterling Kingsize cigarettes.

The men were wearing gloves and had their faces covered. They used a white builder’s sling bag to carry the items to their vehicles.

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A dark coloured vehicle – suspected to be a Peugeot Estate – was seen travelling from the direction of Preston towards Lea.

Police have released pictures of three people who were outside Johnny Rockets takeaway around the time of the burglary.

PC Kurt Edwards said: “Were you in the area at the time of the incident? Do you recognise these people?

“They could hold vital information to aid our investigation and I’d urge anyone with information to contact the police. I’d also like to ask that anyone who is aware of the sale of bulk cigarettes since the 7th March, to let us know.”

Police can be contacted on 101 quoting log number 49 of 7th March.