THESE are the cocky robbers who dared police to catch them by showing their faces while raiding a bank and post office.

CCTV footage has been released of the robbers in action at the TSB bank, in Higher Church Street, Blackburn, on July 16, and a sub post office, in Blackburn Road, Accrington, on July 29.

Police believe the Manchester gang is responsible for three similar robberies on their home patch over the past month, netting them a total of £60,000.

Detectives think the gang has become so confident about getting away with the raids that they are making little attempt to conceal their faces.

But police are hoping their cockiness will be their undoing.

Detective Inspector Ian Critchley, of Blackburn CID, said: "This footage shows the offenders quite clearly and we are sure that someone will recognise them."

The TSB raid happened at 12.45pm when two men entered the bank and stood around apparently looking at a leaflet display.

As a Securicor guard was about to place a cash bag in a box, one of the men snatched it away and they both fled.

A third man drove them away in a gold Volvo S60, registration YB03 ZMV. It had been stolen from Stockport five days earlier and was later found abandoned.

The robbers used the same technique at the post office, just before midday.

A Mazda Six, bearing the false plates PJ52 SNU, was the getaway vehicle. It had been stolen from Nantwich.

In Manchester, three other robberies of cash bags from Securicor guards have taken place.

No weapons have been used in the raids, but DI Critchley said the crimes had still shocked witnesses.

Anyone who knows the men should call Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.