DETECTIVES investigating an armed bank robbery are now appealing for witnesses who may have seen the getaway car being stolen.

A Citroen Xsara Picasso was stolen by two masked men from a 29-year-old woman on Faith Street, Leigh, One man opened the driver's door and dragged the woman out, throwing her to the ground.

The second threw the woman's handbag and a child seat out of the car and got in the passenger seat of the vehicle which was then driven off.

The first offender is described as being white man, of medium build, 5ft 9in tall and wearing a grey hooded top.

The second is described as being white and wearing dark clothing.

The car was stolen at around 6.20pm on Thursday, January 8 and used a week later in an armed robbery at the Lloyds TSB on Market Street, Wigan shortly before 5pm on Thursday, January 15.

A bank worker had a machete held to her neck during the attack, three masked men burst in with the machete, a shotgun and a small handgun.

After stealing a large amount of cash and putting it into a black bag, the gang fled in the silver Citroen Xsara 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.

Detective Constable John O'Donnell said: "The robbery of the car and then the bank was undertaken by a group of violent thugs who grabbed and threatened their victims, who have been left badly shaken by these ordeals.

"As part of this inquiry, we have pieced together the group's movements, but we think there are more people out there who can give us information.

"We would like to know where the car was seen in the week between the robberies, and any more information about the offences themselves is also welcome."

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