DETECTIVES are hunting two armed raiders who attacked a security guard outside a bank in Prestwich yesterday.

But minutes later, as the robbers made their getaway in a stolen car, the empty cash canister's security device gave off an orange plume which filled the vehicle.

The raid happened at 11.50am as a 59-year-old Securitas guard was delivering to the Royal Bank of Scotland in St Margaret's Road.

Det Sgt Dave Maguire of Bury police said: "He was then confronted by two men with shotguns and forced to the ground.

"The canister was stolen from him and the raiders made off in a black Vauxhall Vectra." It was driven towards the Middleton area.

Covered

However, police said the canister's security device was activated, giving off bright orange dye. No money was inside the container.

"Witnesses saw orange smoke pouring from the windows of the car and the thieves would have been covered in the dye," added Det Sgt Maguire.

The vehicle bore false registration plates and had apparently beeen stolen from the Radcliffe area on Monday.

Both raiders were aged in their early 30s, medium build and were wearing balaclavas and orange anoraks, similar in appearance to those worn by postal workers.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Det Sgt Mike Jackson at Whitefield CID on 856 8250 or Bury police crime management unit on 856 8157. DETECTIVES are hunting two armed raiders who attacked a security guard outside a bank in Prestwich yesterday.

But minutes later, as the robbers made their getaway in a stolen car, the empty cash canister's security device gave off an orange plume which filled the vehicle.

The raid happened at 11.50am as a 59-year-old Securitas guard was delivering to the Royal Bank of Scotland in St Margaret's Road.

Det Sgt Dave Maguire of Bury police said: "He was then confronted by two men with shotguns and forced to the ground.

"The canister was stolen from him and the raiders made off in a black Vauxhall Vectra." It was driven towards the Middleton area.

Covered

However, police said the canister's security device was activated, giving off bright orange dye. No money was inside the container.

"Witnesses saw orange smoke pouring from the windows of the car and the thieves would have been covered in the dye," added Det Sgt Maguire.

Both raiders were aged in their early 30s, medium build and were wearing balaclavas and orange anoraks, similar in appearance to those worn by postal workers.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Det Sgt Mike Jackson at Whitefield CID on 856 8250 or Bury police crime management unit on 856 8157.

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