TWO masked robbers brandishing metal bars escaped with a large amount of cash after raiding a working men's club.

The men, both wearing black balaclavas, forced their way into the bar through the locked main entrance of Audley Working Men's Club, Audley Range, Blackburn, around 12.30am yesterday.

They threatened staff with metal bars, before taking cash from a safe behind the bar.

Three members of staff, who had been cleaning the bar, were in the premises at the time. The robbers left through the main entrance doors after five minutes.

One was dressed in grey clothing, wearing tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers. The other was wearing dark clothing.

Both were about 5ft 10ins tall, spoke with local accents, and are believed to be white.

Detective Sergeant Paul Ryan said: "This was a traumatic experience for the members of staff, who have been working at the working men's club for many years.

"They have never known anything like this before.

"It is clear they are very shocked by the experience.

"The two men had a very aggressive manner, and luckily nobody was injured during the incident.

"We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time, who may have seen the offenders leaving the area, or anyone who has information about the offence."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.