POLICE are investigating three armed robberies in north Manchester.

Officers do not believe the incidents on Friday evening were linked.

The first raid happened at the Wickes store in Blackley at 5.30pm, when four youths in dark clothing - one wearing a Haloween mask - forced staff to hand over cash at knifepoint.

The knifeman was slim, in his mid-teens with blond hair and blue eyes.

The second raid, happened just after 6pm when three men armed with shotguns entered GR News on Landsdowne Road, Crumpsall, and stole cash and cigarettes. Two shop assistants received minor injuries. The robbers were black men aged in their late twenties.

At 8pm, two men went into Royal Wines, in Moston, and threatened staff with a meat cleaver before stealing alcohol and cigarettes.

Det Insp Richard Eales from North Manchester CID said: "The staff involved in these incidents have been left extremely shaken by what happened and we want to make sure we trace the people responsible."

Any witnesses should call police on 0161 856 3240 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.