TWO women bank workers were tied up by raiders who escaped with a large amount of cash after tunnelling into the building and lying in wait.

At least two raiders struck after staff at Barclays Bank branch in Colne Road, Burnley, turned up for work just after 9am today.

The two female workers were confronted by two Balaclava-clad raiders who had broken in through Dr Barbara Mitton's dentists practice next door.

The surgery was subjected to an arson attack and two burglaries last week.

Det Con Andy Bell said: "The two women were told to lie face down and not to look at the men. They were then tied up separately using plastic cable ties.

"A substantial amount of money was taken and the women heard a vehicle drive away from the rear of the premises." Both women were shaken by the incident but not hurt. Police were waiting to interview the women.

The bank was not open for business at the time of the raid and the only description of the men is one was stocky, white, wearing a black Balaclava, dark clothing and with a Liverpool accent.

The bank is in the middle of a row of shops and other businesses and the rear of the premises leads on to Barden Lane. Anyone who heard anyone in the buildings or has any information about any people seen acting suspiciously in the area is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282 425001.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area either today or earlier to contact Burnley CID on 01282 425001.

Detective Sergeant Tony Ronan said the position was not yet clear but it was not thought that weapons were involved.

He added: "The women were roughed up but not seriously hurt.

"All the indications are that this was a well planned crime."

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