Shoppers in armed bank raid fright

TERRIFIED Christmas shoppers took cover as an armed gang attacked the Halifax Building Society in Shaw.

Police were called to the Market Street bank for the second time this year after machete-wielding raiders threatened staff and stole money.

Initial reports suggested that two shots were fired inside the bank but officers confirmed that there were no firearms used in the robbery just before 3.30pm yesterday.

Pensioner Caroline Scott, who was standing in a near-by bus queue said: “Men wearing ski masks ran out of the bank and got into a black car driven by a fourth man.

“The driver of an orange 4x4 tried to stop the getaway car by driving in front of it. But the car swerved past the 4x4 and sped off down Market Street,” said Mrs Scott.

“A woman passing the bank said she heard two shots and thought one of the masked men was carrying a knife when they ran out.

“A lot of shoppers were clearly frightened,” she added.

A police spokesman said: “Three armed offenders threatened staff and stole money from the bank.

“They got into a car outside the bank driven by another offender. No one was injured in the incident and inquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with any information about the robbery are asked to call police on 0161-872 5050