In an update to customers posted on social media, the agency said its Blackpool Hounds Hill and Cleveleys branches had been temporarily shut after thieves “tried to gain access” to the shops “as well as other travel stores in the area”.

World Travel Lounge said the safety of colleagues was “our number one priority”, adding they were “working very closely” with Lancashire Police following the latest incidents.

“We’ll be open again only as soon as it’s safe to do so for our colleagues. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the statement said.

On Thursday (23 September) boss David McDonald told TTG how a man has entered the Fleetwood branch on Tuesday and handed foreign exchange staff a note which read: "I’ve got a gun, hand over your English money, think of your colleagues."

Police later confirmed the man had made off with a large quantity of cash.

The following day, a man wielding a knife went to the same store and forced staff to empty the tills while four customers looked on.

Again, the suspect made off with large quantity of cash, the force said, adding it was believed the two incidents were linked.

A man was later arrested in connection with the two armed robberies but was released and will face no further action, Lancashire police confirmed to TTG on Friday (24 September).

Following the incidents at his Fleetwood shop, McDonald issued a plea to fellow high street agents to remain vigilant.

"We always have very stringent security measures in store, but of course, more recently, the focus has been on Covid and customers," he said.

"But it needs to come back to the forefront of agents’ minds. We are a target on the high street, and I think Covid superseded all of our thoughts with everything that has gone on.

"It’s a stark reminder that there are some awful people out there."