A GROUP of axe-wielding men who stole a "significant" amount of cash during a violent daylight robbery are being hunted by police.

The trio rammed their car into another vehicle that was transporting the money on Friday afternoon, before threatening two men with the axes and fleeing.

The incident happened on Eldon Place, near Manningham Lane Retail Park, where the men were thought to have parked to wait for their victims.

At around 2.10pm a red Ford Focus was carrying cash to a local business when a silver Citroen Berlingo, which had been parked on Eldon Place, sped towards the it, smashing into it and bringing both cars to a standstill.

Two balaclava-clad men then jumped out of the Citroen with axes and threatened to use them on the two men in the Ford, who were aged 50 and 26, if they did not hand over the cash.

The pair then returned to their car which sped off onto Manningham Lane, driving away from the city centre.

Detective Inspector Stuart Lyons, from Bradford District CID, said: "The level of violence in this incident was significant and these men need to be arrested and brought before the courts. Fortunately, the two victims of this robbery were uninjured, but have been left understandably shocked by what took place and continue to be supported by officers."

The Citroen was found abandoned just under a mile away on Newport Place a short time later, and witnesses said they had seen three men, the third believed to be the getaway driver, running away.

The vehicle has now been examined for fingerprints and DNA.

The two victims were not injured.

Det Insp Lyons,said: "I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the Citroen Berlingo vehicle in the time before the robbery took place, perhaps when it was making its way to or parking on Eldon Place.

"I also want anyone who may have seen the vehicle between Eldon Place and when it was abandoned on Newport Place to come forward."

The two men who made the threats are described as Asian.

Police would not say how much cash was taken in the robbery, but said it was a "significant amount."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bradford District CID by calling 101 or by Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.