Police have released this CCTV image of a man they want to trace in connection with an armed robbery at the NatWest Bank in Prestwich.

A substantial amount of cash was stolen from a security guard as he entered the bank on New Bury Road at 10.10am, last Thursday.

A man wearing a balaclava and cream jacket with a motif on the left breast and the hood pulled over got out of a silver Jaguar, which was parked facing towards Manchester, about 10 - 15 yards down from the bank.

He threatened the security guard as he was entering the foyer with what is believed to be a small firearm, before running back to the stolen car with a cash box containing a substantial amount of money.

It is believed he got into the back seat of the vehicle, which was later found abandoned on The Crescent, near Deyne Avenue in Prestwich.

The security guard received a minor injury to his wrist and was extremely shaken.

The money that was stolen will be marked with a green dye and police are warning people not to accept any cash that is marked in this way.

The offender is described as white and approximately 5'9" tall.

Anyone with any information is urged to call the Priority Crime Unit at Bury on 0161 856 8179 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.