THREE teenage shop assistants were threatened by gun wielding robbers in separate raids in Manchester Friday evening.

The first raid saw a 16-year-old girl threatened with a gun at the B&M shop in Swan Walk, Wythenshawe at 6pm.

Fearing for her safety the young girl handed over a small amount of cash and the man fled.

Twenty minutes later what is thought to be the same man walked into Pets at Home in nearby Baguley.

He pointed a gun at the security guard before going over to the counter and demanding cash from the 16-year-old cashier. He took money from the till before leaving the shop.

The last attack took place soon afterwards at 7.50pm at Tesco Express on Palatine Road in Northenden.

Again a teenager was on duty at the shop. The sixteen-year-old girl was threatened with the gun and forced to open the till.

The man grabbed the money and left.

Police say none of the shop assistants, two girls and a boy all aged 16, were injured but they were all left shaken by their ordeal.

The gunman is described as white and aged 25-30. He was wearing blue jeans, white trainers, a hooded navy blue top and a black jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4853 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.