A MAN and a woman have been arrested after armed robbers targeted a security van delivering cash to a bank.

A 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.

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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 robbers.

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.

Detective Inspector Tim McDermott said “This was a planned offence 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 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.”

A 26-year-old man from Manchester was arrested on suspicion of robbery and has been bailed to February 23.

A 26-year-old woman, also from Manchester, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and perverting the course of justice and is in police custody.

Anyone with information can contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting 1291 of November 24th.

Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.