The owner of an Oswaldtwistle fish and chip shop is devastated after her business was targeted in a burglary.

Westend Fish and Chips, on Blackburn Road, was burgled on Thursday morning (May 2).

Police say the break-in is under investigation.

Lancashire Telegraph: Lesley and Deryn Regan, owners of Westend Fish and Chips in Oswaldtwistle Lesley and Deryn Regan, owners of Westend Fish and Chips in Oswaldtwistle (Image: Deryn Regan)

More than £300 worth of stock, including drinks and desserts, was taken and the person(s) responsible also caused around £300 worth of damage while breaking in.

Co-owner of the fish and chip shop, which was named best in Lancashire earlier this year,  Deryn Regan says this is the last thing the business needs amid the cost of living crisis.

She said: “Devastated is an understatement.

“They stole all of our stock of drinks, cheesecakes and cakes.

“[They] smashed our storage units and back gate in order to get into the property. We will now have to replace and fix all of that.

“This is the last thing we need at the minute, especially with the cost of living crisis.

"We are already struggling to maintain our profit margins and remain open - now we have been dealt a blow like this and have to replace our stock.”

Deryn says the business remained open on the day of the break-in.

She said: “It was such a stressful day.

“Staff were devastated to hear the news. It was a hectic day sorting things out with the police and trying to fix the damage caused.

“I can’t thank staff enough for their support. They helped keep the shop open while I dealt with issues with the police.

“I want to thank the community for their help and support.

“Please keep a lookout for anyone offering to sell these or if anyone has any CCTV we could check that would be extremely helpful.”

A police spokesperson said the incident has been reported to them and say it is under investigation.

Anyone with information has been asked to call 101 quoting: LC-20240502-0369.