Robbers threatened a businessman with a knife and stole £2,000 he was taking to a bank.

And police are investigating whether the man had been watched by the robbers as they struck when he had the takings on him.

The 40-year-old businessman was set up on at around 1pm on Monday as he walked through Nelson centre to deposit the cash.

He was at the junction of Broadway and Manchester Road, near the steps into the town centre, when two men stopped him and threatened him with a five-inch kitchen knife.

They then made off with the cash.

Police have not revealed which shop the victim was from.

Det Sgt Phil Walne said: "We got the impression that he might have been watched, but we can't know anything for sure at the moment.

"This man had obviously thought about making it as safe as possible but these people have still seen him as a target.

"This is not something we see very often - an attack like this really stands out."

Det Sgt Walne appealed for witnesses to come forward.

He said: "This was lunchtime, in broad daylight and in a busy town centre.

"Someone must have seen something.

"The man was not injured, but he's very shaken up by the whole event - you don't expect to be accosted like that at one o'clock in the afternoon."

Both the robbers were in their 20s, around 6ft tall and of medium build.

One was said to be of pale complexion, brown shaven hair and stubble.

He was wearing a grey hooded jacket and ripped blue jeans.

The second man had a slightly darker complexion and was wearing a dark-coloured tracksuit and a light baseball cap.

The knife had a black handle and a five-inch serrated blade.

DS Walne asked anyone with information about the attack to contact Nelson CID on 01282 472644, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.