A MASKED raider pointed a shotgun at terrified shoppers in a Westhoughton street and shouted: “If you come any closer I’ll shoot you”

Police were called to Barclays Bank in Market Street, Westhoughton, just after noon yesterday following reports of a robbery.

Witnesses said two men in balaclavas ran into the bank while another waited outside and pointed a shotgun at terrified passers-by.

The staff activated the bank’s security measures and ran from behind the counter and locked themselves in the toilets.

The two offenders used a ladder they had to climb through the loft into the private part of the bank.

But they left empty handed through the enquiry counter door and drove off in a black Honda CRV, which was found burnt out a short time later of Peel Street.

Detective Inspector Christopher Walker from Bolton, said: “There were a number of staff in the bank who have been left traumatised by these men and I am appealing for the public’s help to identify them.”

A security van had been making a delivery when the robbery took place, claim witnesses.

The robbers are believed to have fled in a black car.

Several police vehicles and the force helicopter were sent to the scene.

Shopkeeper Ken Fuller said: “I saw people walking past the window and their faces changed, they looked startled.

“There was a black car and two robbers had gone into the bank.

“A man got out wearing a mask and pointed a shotgun at people shouting “get back” and people just stopped.

“I came in and locked the door, and then later I saw the car drive past.

“You don’t expect to see someone pointing a shotgun at you.”

A group of Bolton Council workers were doing roadworks just a few yards from the scene and some shouted to shoppers to stay away as the drama unfolded.

One worker, who asked not to be named, hid behind a pile of bricks.

He said: “A black car pulled up with the boot open, two went inside and another man stood outside the bank. He was big and was pointing a shotgun up and down the road, he said ‘if you come and closer I’ll shoot you!’.” It’s frightening when you’re staring down the barrel of a gun.”

Another worker, who also asked not to be named, added: “A fat guy with a gun, you don’t expect to see it do you?”

Someone was treated for shock at the scene.