TWO armed robbers targeted a security van delivering cash to a bank, police said.

The balaclava-clad duo threatened security guards with a sledgehammer and a metal bar as they arrived to deliver cash to the Santander bank in Clitheroe.

The thieves forced their way into the closed bank before demanding access to the rear of the cash machines, police said.

The robbers grabbed a cash cassette dropped by one of the guards and forced it open.

Detectives said ‘a substantial quantity’ of money was taken but a security dye in the cassette exploded staining both the cash and the men.

The pair escaped after jumping into a waiting dark blue Audi A1 in Castle Street, driven by a third man, police said.

A passerby witnessed the robbery taking place shortly after 7.30pm and alerted officers.

A short time later the getaway car was abandoned and set alight in an alleyway off Turner Street close to Ribblesdale High School.

Community leaders said they were shocked to hear about the brazen robbery and urged residents to be ‘vigilant’.

Detectives investigating the raid cordoned off a large area outside the bank including a visible ink trail.

Officers were also seen searching land near the burnt out getaway car with the help of sniffer dogs late on Thursday.

It is thought the trio fled Clitheroe in a dark coloured Volkswagen Golf, which police said was last seen heading along the Edenfield Bypass in the direction of the M66.

Cllr Allan Knox, who represents Clitheroe, said: “I was shocked to hear about the robbery.

“I think we may have been an easy target because it is unusual for big crime to happen here.

“I think it is a wake up call for all of us to be vigilant of suspicious activity.

“I would hate for an incident like this to be repeated as that would have such a negative impact on the town.”

Nearby residents hearing sirens came out of their homes to see what was happening.

Callum Baxter, 17, said: “Clitheroe is a nice town.

“I have lived here all my life and I have never seen anything like this.

“Shops have been broken into but I’ve never seen anyone go for a bank.

“I’d imagine it’s pretty hard to carry out this sort of robbery.

“It’s really shocking.”

Neighbour Hannah Whitehead, 17, said: “It is pretty scary and surreal to see this happening in Clitheroe.

“It’s really unusual and we came out as soon as we heard what was happening to see what was going on.

“It certainly got people’s attention.”

Police said no-one was injured during the incident and no violence was used.

Detectives are now trying to trace the VW Golf and are urging witnesses who saw anything suspicious to come forward.

DI Tim McDermott said: “This was a planned theft and has left both guards understandably shaken.

“We are following a number of active lines of enquiry but in particular I would appeal for anyone who saw the blue Audi A1, which was displaying the false registration of MA15HYK, to contact us.

“I believe the two men who committed the attack were assisted by other offenders and that a second vehicle took them from Turner Street and later travelled on the A56 towards Rossendale and possibly on towards the Greater Manchester area.

“Again, if you think you may have seen anything suspicious along that route around 8pm last night, please get in touch.”

Anyone that has information that could help with the investigation is being urged to contact police on 101.