Police from the Mill Park Serious Crime Task Force are investigating following an armed robbery in Preston early on Sunday morning.

Investigators have been told two masked offenders attended the Bell Street service station about 3.30am on 23 July.

One of the offenders produced a firearm while the other jumped over the counter and assaulted the attendant.

The pair stole cigarettes and cash before fleeing on foot.

The attendant, a 23-year-old Preston man, was uninjured during the incident.

Both offenders were perceived to be Caucasian in appearance and of a medium build.

One was wearing a black hooded top, black track pants with white detail down the side, and a black mask.

He was carrying a black bag and was armed with a brick and a torch.

The other was wearing a white jumper, blue pants, black shoes, and had a black cloth covering his face.

He was carrying a blue shopping bag and was armed with what appeared to be a black handgun.

Investigators have released CCTV in the hope that someone might recognise the pair and may be able to assist with their enquiries.

Police believe the two men may have been in the area for up to two hours prior to the armed robbery