MASKED raiders armed with a monkey wrench and a shotgun escaped with a large quantity of cash after threatening two security guards outside a Bolton town centre bank.

The gang attacked a Securicor van carrying three guards as it pulled up outside the Abbey National in Deansgate, at 11pm last night.

Police said three men armed with a wrench and a shotgun threatened the guards.

Two got out and handed over the cash. The driver remained inside.

Police today refused to reveal the exact total stolen but described it as a "large amount".

The men then sped off in a yellow BMW which was later found dumped in Goodwin Street, Bolton -- just a mile away from the scene of the robbery. Police said the car had been previously stolen from the Lancashire area.

It is thought the armed gang then switched cars in Goodwin Street and escaped. Detectives have found no evidence of cash bags or security dye.

Both men wore balaclavas and dark clothing. No further descriptions were available.

A police spokesman said: "No one was hurt and the suspected firearm was not fired. We are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have seen the men switch cars later on to come forward."

Witnesses should contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5640 or Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.