THIEVES stole cash from a van outside a bank this afternoon.

The suspects pulled up on a moped outside Lloyds Bank on Halliwell Road at around 3.30pm and attempted to take items from a security officer who was transferring them to the ‘cash-in-transit’ vehicle.

It is believed that there was also a car involved in the incident which was found later by police in an area close to Waters Meeting Road.

Officers cordoned off the scene outside the bank from around 3.30pm until 7.00pm and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said that the robbery and the car fire were "believed to be linked" with one another.

One resident said she was told the suspects pulled up on the moped alongside the van and pushed the security officer to the ground, although nobody is believed to have been injured in the incident.

There were also reports suggesting that a safe deposit box had been found on Halliwell Road close to the Farmfoods store but this has now been removed.

Anyone with further information on the incident is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 1406 of 13/06/18.

Alternatively, you can report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.