MASKED robbers threw a drain grid through a locked bank door before threatening staff into handing over cash.

The raiders struck as security staff were refilling the cash machines inside the HSBC bank, in Church Street, Eccles.

Armed with a baseball bat and a sledgehammer they threatened staff while demanding cash.

After removing a substantial amount of money from the ATM machines they fled in a silver Volkswagen Golf TDI, which was parked outside the Duke of York Pub opposite. It is thought there were up to two people waiting in the car, which was found burnt out in Alma Street a short time later.

No one was hurt but staff were left shaken by the robbery which happened at 4.55pm on Thursday, January 31.

Detective Sergeant Simon Akker, from Swinton CID, said: “The offenders showed clear determination to get what they came for and although no physical violence was used in the attack, there was certainly a clear threat and the staff have been left very shaken by the ordeal.

“These men have taken a substantial amount of money and I would appeal to anyone that may have seen them hanging around the bank in the lead up to the robbery, or possibly changing vehicles on Alma Street where they abandoned the Golf, to contact police.” The robbers were wearing navy blue clothing and balaclavas.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Swinton CID on: 0161 856 5351 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.