MASKED robbers stole thousands of pounds from security guards who were delivering cash to a Padiham bank.

Three men in balaclavas demanded cash from the two guards who were filling up an ATM at Santander in Burnley Road.

MORE TOP STORIES:

They then ran off down the side of the bank with a cash container and drove away in a silver Ford Mondeo, police said.

Officers later found a white Ford Transit van in Mill Street, which the robbers are believed to have travelled to the area in.

The robbers were wearing dark clothing, police said. No violence or weapons were used and no-one was injured in the incident on Friday evening.

Joe Barraclough, a 25-year-old from Padiham, said he was on his way home from work just after the robbery happened.

He said: “I saw the police arrive and the two G4S security men looked really shook up.

“They were just setting off with the dogs and cordoning the area off.”

Lyndsey Taylor, 43, from Burnley, said: “I was passing in my car about 8.05pm when I saw the guard stood inside the bank behind the door.

“As I got through traffic lights to go to Burnley several police cars came flying past and stopped at the bank.”

A staff member at The Original Factory Shop, just across the road from the bank, said: “This is quite a serious incident to happen, it is usually quiet around here.

“It really makes you think because this was probably well planned.”

Detectives are now appealing for information about the raid.

Det Sgt Allen Davies said: “We have launched an investigation following a cash-in-transit robbery in Padiham.

“Three men have approached security guards demanding cash before making off from the scene.

“While no weapons were used or threats made, this was clearly a shocking incident for both victims and we need to find those responsible.

“We believe the men may have travelled to the area in a white van, which was later located on Mill Street, before later making off in a silver Mondeo.

“We are appealing to anyone who saw either vehicle, or witnessed the offence, to contact us.

“Furthermore, if you saw anything unusual or anyone acting suspiciously around the time of the offence, please call police.”

In 2010 the same bank was targeted by masked raiders wielding a crowbar and a sledgehammer.

Two robbers threatened security guards who were replenishing the ATM.