POLICE have released photofits of the men they believe are responsible for an armed bank raid in East Lancashire.

They have also shown CCTV footage from inside the HSBC, High Street, Rishton, when it was raided in February.

Detectives, led by DI Steve Dowson, revealed the details about the robbery, which has left staff traumatised, on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme last night.

DI Dowson said detectives were following up other positive leads about them but hoped a fresh appeal to the general public would help catch the men.

A £50,000 reward is already on offer for information leading to the arrest of the two men who raided the HSBC, High Street, Rishton, on February 27 at around 1.30pm.

A reconstruction film was broadcast last night and showed how the men broke through the roof of the bank during a busy lunchtime.

The armed robbers, who wore masks, threatened staff with weapons, forcing them to hand over money, before fleeing.

They escaped with a ‘sub-stantial amount’ of cash after smashing their way into the branch.

The film also includes a reconstruction of the events leading up to the robbery, interviews with witnesses as well as CCTV of the crime taking place.

Following the robbery a burnt out Mercedes A-Class vehicle was found near Rishton Cricket Club, Blackburn Road.

It is believed the raiders torched the vehicle before switching to another car and making their escape. No one was injured, but staff were left shaken and extremely traum-atised.

DI Steve Dowson said: “Who are these people? Somebody must have seen them previously in and around the High Street area of Rishton.

“This was pre planned and I would appeal to anyone who recalls these men to contact us. There is somebody out there who could hold vital clues to solve this case.

“I particulary want to speak to the motorist who had to brake then sounded their horn at the second get-away vehicle coming down Blackburn Road from Station Road around 1.30pm on Friday afternoon. That information could be really vital to this investigation.

“I would ask anyone who saw something suspicious to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Accrington CID on 01254 353 743 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.