AN APPEAL has been issued to help track down the two thugs who stole tens of thousands of pounds in a "terrifying" armed robbery at a supermarket.

At around 10.25am on Friday, the robbers - one armed with a crow bar and the other with sledgehammer - attacked two cash-in-transit drivers at Sainsbury's in Darwen Road, Bromley Cross.

After threatening the drivers, the men then assaulted them, even after taking the cash.

One of the victims suffered a broken arm and the other man was knocked unconscious and has a suspected broken jaw.

The two offenders then fled the scene in a white Audi A3 driven by a third man. The car was later found burnt out and abandoned in Back Darwen Road at the junction with Guild Street.

Police are now urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and help with investigation.

Detective Inspector Matthew Bailey-Smith, of GMP’s Bolton borough, said: “This was a planned and extremely nasty attack which has culminated in a sustained, armed assault on two men.

“Both were taken to hospital after a terrifying and traumatic ordeal which has also resulted in a significant amount of cash being stolen.

“If anyone has any information relating to this incident, we are asking them to get in touch, as it may prove vital in assisting our investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting reference number 642 of September 30, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.