GUN wielding robbers threatened staff at a butchers after a failed ram-raid on Barclays Bank in Culcheth.

The offenders attempted to gain entry to the Lodge Lane bank by reversing a white Volvo 440 car into the wall at 10.45am yesterday.

Following the unsuccessful raid, the four men entered K & S Platt butchers, also on Lodge Lane and threatened staff at gunpoint until they gave them the keys to a Mercedes van. The attackers fled the scene in the white van.

Officers say the criminals were armed with handguns and a machete during the incident, but nobody was physically hurt.

The gunmen abandoned the vehicle on Twiss Green Lane close to Radcliffe Meadows Nursing Home, where they left in a small, dark coloured car.

It is believed that the getaway car's registration may have included, PV03.

Detectives added that a blue Fiesta ST, with an 06 plate was parked at the back of Barclays may have belonged to the men. It is thought they had planned to use it as a getaway vehicle, but it was blocked in by other parked cars.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the attackers raiding the bank, threatening staff at the butchers, taking the Mercedes van or abandoning the van on Twiss Green Lane.

Also, anyone who saw the dark car on the lane prior, or after the incident should contact Warrigton Specialist Investigation Unit on 01244 613831 or contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.