The Pig and Whistle is a popular Sunday lunch spot for families

Police are appealing for information after staff at a Preston pub were tied up while a gang took away cash.

Three or four men entered the Pig and Whistle pub on Blackpool Road, Lea around 1.45am on Monday.

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They were armed with machetes and what appeared to be a short barrelled weapon.

The men, wearing dark clothing, gloves and balaclavas, threatened the three members of staff.

The staff had their hands tied behind their back and the men took cash from an ATM machine and a safe, taking just under £1,500.

Detective Inspector Paddy O’Neill who is investigating said: “Fortunately the staff members were not injured but have clearly been left shaken by what can only be described as a terrifying experience.

“If anyone has any information that could assist with this investigation, I would urge them to contact police as soon as possible. It may be that someone has seen a group of men acting suspiciously in the area immediately before the incident or in the days prior to it. The offenders are described as having Liverpudlian accents. It may be that someone has seen a vehicle leaving the area at speed, and we would ask such people to contact us.”

A spokesperson for the pubs owners Mitchells and Butlers said: “The important thing is that none of our employees has been seriously hurt – although understandably they are in shock and we are making sure they have all the support they need. We are helping the police with their enquiries.”

Anyone with any information can contact police by calling 101 and quoting log number LC-20131223-0105. Alternatively, information can be passed via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Image credit to Tony Worrall