A silent bank robber handed a terrified cashier a chilling note which read: '£5,000 NOW - SSSHHH!!! OR I'LL SHOOT'.
The brazen thief didn't say a word during the raid at a NatWest in Salford.
He simply placed the hand-written note on the counter before being handed just over £2,000 in cash and calmly walking out.
Police are trawling CCTV footage of the robber - as well as the handwritten note - in an attempt to track him down.
The robbery happened at the branch on Bolton Road, Irlams O' Th' Height.
Some of the cash was found abandoned nearby at the junction of Irlam Square and Ellery Road.
It was covered in security dye which had activated shortly after the raid.
Police believe the robber, who was wearing a thick woollen hat and a black snood, may have been covered in ink.
They said there was no proof he was actually carrying a gun.
Det Con Allan Barker, of Swinton CID, said: "The bank robber calmly walked up to a staff member, handed over a threatening note and then left with some cash.
"Thanks to the security measures in place, a sizeable amount of the cash has been recovered after the security dye activated. I am appealing for witnesses to come forward.
"We would like to ask people: Were you in the area and did you see a man activate the dye?
"Did you see someone that day who perhaps had stained hands or dye on his clothing?
"Do you recognise the handwriting or words used in the note?
"Someone knows who this person is and we need your help to bring him to justice." The robber is described as white, up to 6ft, athletic and aged in his late 20s or early 30s.
He has a sallow complexion with pock marks on his cheeks and slight stubble.
He was wearing a waist-length jacket, light coloured jogging bottoms and a blue stud earring.
