Hunt for bank raiders
8:58am Thursday 29th July 2010 in News
AXE-wielding masked robbers threatened police and security officers when they stole cash in a bank raid.
Two men smashed their way into the Santander bank in Market Place, Atherton, at about 11.50pm on Monday when security staff were filling cash machines.
The pair, who were armed with axes, threatened the two security staff and demanded money.
At this point a police officer drove past the bank and was threatened by a third man who was armed with a pickaxe. The three robbers, who were dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas, then grabbed some cash and got into a silver Ford Mondeo, before making a high-speed getaway.
The officer followed the car, which was being driven without its lights on, but lost sight of it near Westleigh Lane.
It was found abandoned and on fire in a wooded area off Tiverton Drive, Hindley Green, at about 3.30am on Tuesday.
Det Insp Theresa Carter said: “These men were all armed and used the threat of violence against security staff and police.
“They are clearly dangerous and determined to steal as much cash as they could.
“Thankfully no one was injured and because the officer was able to interrupt the robbery the vast majority of cash was not stolen.”
Witnesses are asked to call Wigan CID on 0161 8565307, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
