ARMED robbers smashed their way through the wall of a bank to carry out a terrifying raid.

The gang of masked men burst into the Royal Bank Of Scotland in Horwich, just after staff had opened up yesterday.

They broke into the back entrance of an empty Ladbrokes betting shop next to the bank, via an alleyway running along the back of the shops.

Using a crowbar, the group of four or five men, who were all wearing balaclavas, then smashed a hole through an inside wall and into the bank at about 9.20am.

The gang demanded cash from the three terrified bank employees before fleeing the way they had come in — through the hole in the wall — with a small amount of money from the counter.

They were all dressed in dark clothing and spoke with Manchester accents.

No one was injured but staff were left badly shaken.

Police cordoned off the back alleyway behind the shops while they investigated the robbery.

Michaela Bonner, of Cooper Jackson Lettings across the road, said she watched as staff were taken to a waiting ambulance.

She added: “I didn’t see the robbery, but I saw the first police car come and then there were loads of police cars everywhere.

“The staff walked out of the front door hand-inhand and into the ambulance, I don’t think they were hurt but just really shaken.

“I am shocked. You hear about these things happening all the time, but you don’t expect it on your doorstep.

“It is a worry when we are on our own in the office though.”

Julie Hodson, manager of Greenhalghs — two shops away from the bank — added: “I was here from about 7.20am and I didn’t hear anything.

“It is shocking but I think what has surprised me the most is that I didn’t see or hear anything.”

A spokesman for the Royal Bank of Scotland said: “In the event of a security incident, our priority is the safety of our staff and customers.

Following this incident, in which nobody was injured, our Horwich branch is temporarily closed.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and will complete remedial work and reopen as soon as possible.”

Customers can still use the Horwich branch ATM or the ATM at nearby NatWest.

A full banking service is available at RBS Adlington branch.

Police inquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information should call Bolton CID on 0161 856 2161 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.