DETECTIVES are hunting two armed raiders who escaped with a large amount of cash after threatening terrified bank staff with a knife.

They struck at 9am on Wednesday just as the Royal Bank of Scotland in Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, was opening.

The two men, wearing balaclavas, entered the bank and produced the knife. They threatened the staff before fleeing with the cash.

The men escaped in a silver Audi Estate which was found abandoned nearby a short time later. The vehicle had been stolen from Bury. The bank was closed for the remainder of the day. It reopened yesterday.

Detective Inspector Bill Beddows, of Bury CID, said: "This was a terrifying experience for all the staff and fortunately no-one was injured. I need the public's help to trace these two before they strike again."

One of the robbers was 5ft 7ins tall, of slim build and wore a fluorescent jacket, black balaclava and black gloves. His accomplice was 5ft 11ins tall, slim and wore a balaclava and a dark grey, tracksuit-style top. Anyone who can help should contact CID at Bury on 856 8150.