MASKED robbers wielding machetes and a crowbar smashed into a Darwen bank and forced terrified staff to hand over cash.

Witnesses described how two men wearing balaclavas threw an iron grid through the glass frontage of Lloyds TSB in Duckworth Street just minutes after the bank closed at 4.30pm today, in full view of shoppers and pedestrians.

Police said they escaped with cash boxes and bags containing a "substantial" amount of cash, but nobody was injured during the incident.

Staff at Revive hair salon, directly opposite the bank, saw the entire incident unfold.

A stylist, who did not want to be named, said: "We had a client in with her two children and one was stood looking outside.

"There was a loud bang, and then the little girl shouted that someone had put the bank window through.

"We came to the window and saw two men in balaclavas going into the bank, they had thrown some sort of block through the glass, and were carrying machetes, "A minute later they came out each carrying Securicor type cash boxes, and bags.

"It all happened so fast, but it seemed unreal watching it all happen in front of everyone watching, someone was even videoing it on their phone."

The two robbers got into a grey Audi A3 car which was waiting outside the bank with a third accomplice in the driver's seat, and made off towards Union Street.

Police said the Audi, which was reported stolen from Manchester last week, was found abandoned off Robin Bank Road.

It is believed that the offenders have got into a second vehicle and left the area.

DI Jill Johnston said: "This is a serious crime which has caused great distress to the staff inside the bank, and also members of the public who were in the town centre and witnessed the incident.

"An immediate search of the area was made, using the force helicopter and local and countywide patrols.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anybody acting suspiciously in or around Darwen to contact us."

Contact DS Mick Cross on 01254 353841.