By Matthew

Taylor AN ARMED robber raided a building society office in Horwich today.

The man burst into the Bradford and Bingley office on Lee Lane, brandishing what appeared to be a genuine handgun, at 9.20am.

He forced staff to hand over cash and made off on foot down Winter Hey Lane. It has not been revealed how much was taken. Police believe the robber had been watching the building society from the opposite corner of Winter Hey Lane and Lee Lane for some time after it opened at 9am.

He waited until there were no customers before entering the premises. He pointed the gun, described as black, at one of the two female members of staff and demanded cash. The man ran as he left the building and police suspect he may have escaped in a car. No one was injured and the gun was not fired.

The robber was wearing a baseball cap and glasses, thought to be a disguise. Witnesses described him as white, in his mid-30s, 5ft 2ins to 5ft 8ins, quite thick-set in build with a round face. He has dark hair and was wearing a dark, waist-length coat and trainers. Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen any suspicious vehicles parked nearby. Ring Horwich CID on 0161 856 5785.

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