A bank worker had a machete held to her neck during a terrifying robbery in Wigan.

Three masked men burst into the Lloyds TSB on Market Street armed with the machete, a shotgun and a small handgun shortly before 5pm on Thursday.

One of the thieves took hold of the woman and put the machete to the back of her neck, forcing her to escort him and the man armed with the shotgun to the private area at the back. The third man stayed in the public area with the small handgun.

After stealing a large amount of cash and putting it into a black bag, the gang fled in a silver Citroen Picasso, which was later found abandoned and burnt out on Eccleston Street, Swinley.

It is believed they then got into a blue Ford Fiesta which has not yet been traced.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information about the incident to come forward.

The three men were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Detective Inspector John Keeley, from Wigan CID, said: "We really want to hear from anyone who saw these men loitering outside the bank at the time of the robbery, or perhaps saw the silver car being dumped on Eccleston Street.

"If you did see anything untoward, please come forward as the information you have could be crucial.

"The staff at this bank were put through a terrifying ordeal and nothing can prepare anyone for having a machete held to their neck or being threatened with guns. Greater Manchester Police is working very hard through Operation Vanguard to target criminals who attack commercial premises and financial institutions, and I would again ask that anyone who knows anything about this appalling crime come forward so we can find these men."

Anyone with information is asked to call Wigan CID on 0161 856 5037 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.