POLICE have issued photographs of two bags similar to the ones stolen in a vicious spray attack on a 32-year-old woman in Lancaster this week. Two attackers sprayed a substance, believed to be CS gas, into the woman's face and grabbed her bag with a substantial amount of cash near the Nat West bank. Police said the the woman was carrying takings to the bank at about 2.40pm on Monday when the robbers struck in the nearby car park off New Road.

As the woman was stunned by the attack, members of the public chased the two men as they ran off towards the bus station. Police officers later stopped a bus heading towards Morecambe.

Det Sgt Tracey Launder said: "The woman was temporarily disabled by the spray which went in her mouth and eyes. We're hoping to trace anyone who might have been in the vicinity of the National Westminster bank between 1pm and 3pm."

Police have managed to recover part of the cool bag which had the words Peps on the side but they are also looking for another smaller bank bag which was inside.

"We've managed to recover the handle of the bag but the bulk of it and contents are still missing. We are anxious to trace the bags and if anyone recognises the bags in the photograph could they please get in contact with us.

"Prior to entering the car park at the rear of the bank the woman had to wait for a vehicle to come out. We also want to trace the driver of a dark maroon or brown Vauxhall estate with chrome strips on the side," added DS Launder.

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