A BANK has offered a reward of up to £15,000 for information that could track down armed men who raided its Carnforth branch.

At least three men wearing balaclavas and wielding handguns made off with cash from Barclays Bank in Market Street last Tuesday.

Police are still investigating the incident in which the branch manager was assaulted, leaving him needing treatment at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

Detective Inspector Neil Esseen, of Lancaster police, says inquiries are ongoing.

"We have spoken to a number of people who saw the offenders and their vehicle before the offence happened but we still have no positive identification," he says. "We are awaiting forensic results and may then have a better idea."

He adds that police in Cheshire - where it is believed the men could be from - are also involved.

The bank had received a delivery from a security van only 10 minutes before the raid.

The men left the scene in a blue Alfa Romeo, which was later found abandoned just 600 yards away.

To help police, call 01524-63333 or the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800-555111.