A LATE night robbery at a bank left two security guards facing a 'frightening ordeal'.

Police said the robbery at the Santander branch on Briercliffe Road, Burnley happened shortly before midnight on Thursday but the thieves only escaped with an empty cash box.

Two men in balaclavas approached security staff outside the bank before demanding they hand over a cash box one of them were carrying.

Police said the suspects were not thought to be in possession of weapons.

The two security staff outside the bank gave up the box, which did not contain any money, and the offenders made off from the scene.

The box was tracked and located nearby, having been abandoned on Wynotham Street.

Police said they were appealing for anybody who may have witnessed the incident, or who has information about it, to contact them.

Detective inspector Nicola Bithell, of Burnley Police, said: "This was a frightening ordeal for the security staff, who were simply going about their work.

"Fortunately neither was hurt and the men responsible did not manage to get their hands on any cash.

"However, the outcome could have been very different and we need to find these men to prevent them attempting something similar in the future.

"If you were in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious, or if you think you may know who is responsible, please get in touch with us as soon as possible."

Anybody with information should contact police on 101, quoting log number 0004 of December 30.