ARMED robbers smashed their way into a city centre bank in front of rush-hour shoppers and stole £100,000.

They terrorised staff with a sledgehammer and a handgun before making off with security boxes full of cash.

Police sources say they are struck by the audacity of the raid at Lloyds TSB on Mosley Street, Manchester.

Ignoring rush-hour traffic and Christmas shoppers, the four robbers wearing balaclavas got out of a black VW golf in front of the bank at 5.30pm on Friday.

Shatter

The last customer had left and the doors were locked while staff closed down for the night. Two of the gang used a metal grid to shatter the front window and they burst in wielding the sledgehammer and handgun.

They grabbed four full security boxes, which it is thought were just about to be loaded into cash machines for the weekend. The robbers then got back in the Golf with their haul and drove off in the direction of Spring Gardens.

A police statement said the raiders got away with a `substantial amount' of money. The M.E.N. understands the sum taken is around £100,000.

A source said: "It was pretty audacious considering how busy it would have been on Mosley Street at the time.

"There were plenty of people going by in cars, buses and trams and plenty of people walking along the pavement no doubt doing their Christmas shopping.

"And the amount of money that was taken is huge. It looks like they were waiting for the close of business on Friday when the cash machines are filled up for the weekend."

No one was injured in the incident although bank staff were left shaken by their ordeal.

The robbers are only described as wearing black balaclavas, grey jackets and gloves.

Anyone who saw the robbery or the Golf before or after the raid should ring Bootle Street CID on 0161 856 3240 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.