THIS is the dramatic moment three armed robbers stormed in to a jewellers shop and stole items worth tens of thousands of pounds.

The still image shows the gang brandishing hammers as they prepare to smash open display cases at Riaz Jewellers, Whalley Range, Blackburn, about 11.40am on Monday.

The picture was obtained by the Lancashire Telegraph from the store's in-house CCTV system and owner Riaz Ahmed, 65, claims the theft of gold rings and necklaces could total £50,000.

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as the hunt continues for three Asian men they suspect carried out the raid and who were seen fleeing the scene in a red Toyota Carina.

Mr Ahmed described how he and a friend hid in the back of the shop as the terrifying raid took place and said it was the third attack on the jewellers in three years.

He said: "I was already in the back of the shop when the men came in.

"Usually, customers ring the bell and we go and let them in but I had just made a coffee when I heard a loud bang outside. I thought it was a car backfiring or something.

"I looked through the doorway and I could see a lad swinging a hammer around in the middle of the shop.

"It was terrifying and I just locked the door and hid back there.

"I thought they might come through to the back. The main thing was that we saved ourselves. I had to leave them to it.

"One of them has jumped over the counter and taken jewellery from the display cases there.

"It was mainly rings and necklaces, a mixture of those really.

"They took hundreds of items, probably worth up to £50,000."

And Mr Ahmed revealed he was considering whether to carry on trading at the Whalley Range site.

He added: "This is the third time it has happened in three years and I don't know what I'm going to do now.

"I'm 65 and at retirement age so maybe I might not continue, I just don't know yet.

"It's very upsetting because you work for yourself and for this to happen is awful.

"I have no idea who would want to do something like this to my shop.

"I did not confront them, it wasn't worth it."

Det Ins Andy Hulme, of Blackburn CID, confirmed they were aware of the other two robberies in January 2005 and February 2007, but said that at this stage it was not thought they were connected.

Anyone with information should call 0845 1253545 or Crimestoppers - anonymously and free - on 0800 555111.