POLICE have released an Evofit of a man they want to speak to after an armed robbery at the Co-Op store in Whitworth.

Around 1pm on July 7, two security guards were attacked by three masked men wielding sledgehammers whilst they were restocking the ATM cash machine.

One guard was hit over the head and his cash cassette stolen before his colleague was forced to hand over an additional cash cassette from inside the security van.

Both security guards were wearing helmets and did not suffer any serious injuries although both were treated for shock at Fairfield Hospital in Bury.

The offenders left the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash in a black Renault Megane, registration SA09 TXB which was stolen from Salford a few weeks prior to the offence and found abandoned nearby on Daniel Street.

Witnesses then describe the men as leaving in a black BMW three series which turned left towards Bacup.

Police have released an Evofit of a man they believe was driving the getaway vehicles and are urging anybody that thinks recognise him to contact police.

He is described as white, aged between 20-25, lean build, with a narrow face and clean shaven.

He had a full head of ginger or brown-coloured hair and was wearing dark clothing.

Two of the offenders were wearing black and grey tracksuits, balaclavas and gloves.

One had a distinctive electric blue jacket and beige trousers.

DS Mark Gillibrand from Rossendale CID said: “I would ask people to take a close look at the Evofit and if they have any suspicions about who this could be I’d ask them to contact us.

"Given the vehicle was stolen from Salford we strongly believe these men could be from the Manchester area.

“This was nasty offence in which unnecessary violence was used and it is possible that these men could strike again.

"Our investigation is continuing and I’d appeal to anybody with any information that could assist us to come forward.”

There were also a number of staff and customers in the shop at the time of the robbery but nobody was injured.

Anyone with any information should contact Lancashire Police on 08451 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.