TWO masked raiders stole thousands of pounds at knifepoint from a man heading to deposit cash in a bank, police said.

The robbers escaped with a substantial amount of money, believed to be more than £10,000, following the ‘targeted’ daylight attack in Blackburn.

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Detectives said the 46-year-old man got in to the the driver’s seat of his gold Nissan Almera, which was parked at the junction of St Thomas Street and Audley Range, at 9.45am on Friday and placed a shoulder bag containing the cash in the passenger foot well before closing the door.

Officers said two men, who covered their faces with nylon stockings, then went to the car and one of them repeatedly punched the victim as the second one tried to grab the bag.

The driver tried to keep hold of the bag but the second man pulled out a kitchen knife and threatened him, police said.

He then grabbed a plastic cash bag containing the money from inside the holdall.

Both of the thieves then ran off with the money along St Thomas Street towards Audley Range, police said.

The victim wasn’t seriously injured in the attack.

The alleged attackers are described as Asian, in their mid-20s, wearing dark clothing and hooded jackets.

Police believe both men were wearing nylon stockings covering their faces.

Detectives have launched a witness appeal and have asked anyone with information to come forward.

Det Sgt Andy Horne, of Blackburn CID, said: “We are appealing for information following a robbery in Blackburn.

“A man working for a local business has attempted to deposit money at the bank but has been attacked and threatened by two men in his car.

“Both have subject the victim to a nasty assault before making off with a substantial amount of money. We believe he has been targeted specifically for the bank deposit.

“While we believe this to be an isolated incident, we would like to reassure the community and have increased patrols in the area.

“We would urge anyone who can help to contact police immediately with any information they may have.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting crime reference ED1609370.