ARMED robbers leapt over a counter and threatened a petrol station manager with a machete and hammer before escaping with a `substantial amount of cash'.

The men pounced as a security guard was collecting cash from the Esso garage, Lower Bents Lane, Bredbury, Stockport, at about midday on Saturday.

The men escaped in a stolen two-door silver Mercedes C220 CDi, which was later abandoned on Woodbank Avenue, Bredbury.

Anyone with information should contact Stockport CID on 0161 856 9740 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.