ARMED raiders threatened staff with a knife before escaping with cash from an off-licence.

The two men struck at the Bargain Booze store on Wigan Road in Ashton in Makerfield on Sunday night, and were later seen running away down Whitledge Road, and then on to an alleyway which runs along a railway line.

Police say the man who had the weapon, described as a nine-inch long kitchen knife, is believed to have been wearing a motorcycle helmet, or something similar.

He is 5ft 4ins tall, of slim build, had his face covered, was dressed in dark clothing, and spoke with a local Wigan accent.

The second man was 5ft 8 tall, had his face covered, and was dressed in dark clothing.

Detective Constable Andrew Whittle said: "Though nobody was injured in this robbery, the victim was badly shaken, and the offenders need to be caught."

Police are appealing for anyone who saw what happened, or has information that could help them, to contact Wigan CID on 0161 856 5307 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.