A MAN was forced to run on to a motorway to escape from would-be robbers.

The victim, 29, ran on to the hard-shoulder of the M602 in Salford as two thugs chased him for 20 minutes in a bid to steal his bag.

His ordeal began when he was walking along Regent Road, Salford, at 5.45pm yesterday (Wednesday).

When they failed to get it off him, they continued to follow him and threw stones at his head. The victim had to run onto the hard shoulder after they tried to snatch his bag a second time.

Pc Michelle Ingham said: "The victim was subjected to a protracted ordeal in which he was tormented by these two youths. Not content with trying to steal from him, they followed him along the road and threw objects at him.

"He had to flee on to the M602 and potentially place himself in danger just to get away from them.

"It must have been a frightening experience and we are determined to catch those responsible. I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward."

Two teenagers matching the description of the robbers confronted another man in South Langworthy Road, Weaste, two hours later. He escaped unhurt.

Two men were also reported to have made verbal threats to a passer-by at the Metrolink Station on Eccles New Road about 45 minutes later.

Witnesses should call Salford CID on 0161 856 5097 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.