THIEVES stole seven lorries containing chocolate worth £500,000 in an armed robbery in Lancashire.

Security guards were threatened, tied up and held for almost five hours by the gang, who were armed with koshes.

The gang burst into Great Bear Distribution company, on Stanley Industrial Estate, Skelmersdale, at 1.30am on Sunday.

They tied up two guards and bundled them into a dark saloon, possibly a Ford Mondeo.

The gang drove about five miles to a nearby farm where they held the guards until 6am.

The robbers also abducted a third man who was asleep in a lorry.

The trailers which each contained £80,000 worth of Cadbury's goods including Easter Eggs.

Four containers have been recovered empty.

None of the victiims were hurt in the robbery but Lancashire Police said they were shaken up" after their ordeal.

Of the three lorries which are still missing, one is described as mustard-coloured with P&O Ferrymasters on the side curtains. The second has McBurney Transport on it and the third says Profresh Solutions.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01772 614444.