ARMED robbers attacked two security guards and threatened them with a gun during a raid on a cash-in transit van making a delivery in Bury.

The Securicor van had pulled up outside the Save petrol station on Manchester Road, Blackford Bridge, on New Year's Eve at about 8.20am.

As the two guards started to fill up the cash machine, they were confronted by two men wearing balaclavas who threatened them with a gun.

They were forced into a back room at the garage along with the terrified cashier and all three were punched.

The gunman threatened one of the guards and dragged him outside where he demanded money from the driver of the van.

When he refused, the other robber forced the second guard to remove the cash boxes from the machine.

The robbers escaped in a stolen Alfa Romeo driven by a third gang member. It was later found abandoned on Back Brittain Street, Bury.

The dark blue Alfa Romeo, registration number Y14 LFA, was stolen from the Bolton area on Tuesday.

Det Insp Simon Collier from Bury CID said: "This was an appalling attack, accompanied by unnecessary violence.

"I would appeal to anyone who can identify these criminals to come forward and I would also ask anyone who saw the Alfa Romeo between the time it was stolen and used in the robbery to contact the Police.

"The Alfa was stolen in a violent robbery, where the offenders also threatened to use a gun.

"Forensic examinations are now being carried out, but I cannot emphasise enough the importance of information from the public.

"All calls will be dealt with in confidence, and if anyone has any information, I would urge them to come forward."

The offenders are described as between 6ft and 6ft 2in of medium build and were wearing black hooded tops, balaclavas and black tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bury CID on 0161 856 8150 or call Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.