DETECTIVES investigating a violent bank robbery are appealing for people to come forward with the “final piece of the jigsaw”.

Two years ago, masked robbers terrified staff at Barclays Bank in Winter Hey Lane, Horwich, and shot at police officers as they escaped.

The men dragged a bank worker to the ground by her hair while threatening her with a machete and fled with £200,000.

A dramatic reconstruction was featured on the BBC Crimewatch programme but despite a number of arrests in connection with the robbery, no one has ever been charged.

A £50,000 reward is on offer to anyone who can provide information leading to the offenders being convicted.

Det Chief Insp Alex Millett, from the Xcalibre Organised Crime Unit, said: “It is now two years since the robbery and I would like to take the opportunity to re-appeal to anyone who may have any information to come forward.

“You might think the information you have isn’t important but it could be the final piece of the jigsaw.”

Police officers on patrol in the area on November 29, 2006, were alerted to the robbery and followed a red Ford Focus getaway car.

One of the gang leaned out of the car and pointed a sawn-off shotgun directly at their van forcing the police to back off.

The gang dumped the car and set it on fire before switching to a silver Ford Mondeo.

The police caught up with the Mondeo but two men got out and fired a shot at the windscreen, showering the officers with glass.

DCI Millett added: “We dedicated huge resources to this investigation, which remains open.

“As part of our inquiries we arrested a number of people. Some were cautioned or charged with unrelated matters, while others have been released without charge.

“Despite extensive inquiries into the incident and our commitment to finding those responsible, the offenders remain outstanding.

“Peoples allegiances change and I would like to stress a £50,000 reward from the British Bankers’ Association is still available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 0161 872 5050.

amanda.smith@thebolton news.co.uk