ARMED raiders threatened to chop a garden centre worker's hand off with a machete during a robbery.

The masked robbers demanded cash from the manager of Head Gardener, on the Barton Business Park, in Cawdor Street, Salford, when they stormed the store at 4.30pm on Friday. One member of staff was punched in the face as he and a colleague were ordered downstairs by one of the offenders.

One of the raiders grabbed the arm of an employee and threatened to chop it off before escaping with cash in a Renault Laguna.

Both men spoke with local accents, are thought to be in their late 20s to early 30s and were dressed in dark clothing and balaclavas. One of the men, carrying the machete, is described as white, slim, and 5ft 10in tall. The second is described as white, stocky and 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall. New security systems have now been installed at the centre.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0800 012 1362 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.