HALE pub staff were assaulted on their way to the bank by masked men who stole a quantity of cash.

Two staff members from the Railway pub were walking on their way to a bank in Hale when they were confronted by two men in balaclavas, outside Pizza Express on April 10.

One of the men hit one of the victims on the head, before they stole cash from them and fled in a waiting blue Volkswagen Sharan.

The car was later found burnt out on Harrington Road and it has since been established that it was stolen from the Stockport area.

The victim of the assault was taken to hospital where he was treated for a cut to his head.

Witnesses saw three men running from the car on Harrington Road and described them as white, in their late teens to early 20s and were wearing boiler suits, high-visability jackets and beanie hats.

Alan Hough, the Railway pub’s landlord, said: “This was a calculated and premeditated attack on two innocent workers going about their daily jobs.

“Both have been left very shaken up and one has been hospitalised with a nasty gash to the back of the head.

“We are liaising with the police and reviewing our security procedures to prevent any further incidents like this, and would also like to appeal for anyone who saw anything to come forward.”

Detective Constable Sonia Johnston of Trafford division said: “If you witnessed this attack and robbery I would urge you to contact police immediately, as you have information that could help with our investigation.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 7530 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.