GUNMEN threatened security guards before stealing cash from a petrol station.

The pair struck as the guards filled up a cash machine at Hatton Service Station on Greengate, Middleton.

Brandishing a sawn-off shotgun, they forced the guards into a secure room then they stole the cash.

The pair then made their escape in a blue Vauxhall Astra, registration number PK57 HKM, which was waiting nearby and driven by a third gang member.

The vehicle fled up Mainway towards Alkrington and was later found abandoned on The Heath in Middleton.

Police believe the gang may then have got into another car.

Det Con Nick Price, of Rochdale CID, appealed for witnesses.

He said: "We will not tolerate opportunistic thieves who target security staff during cash-in-transit deliveries and we will do everything we can to find these men and put them behind bars."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 1977 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.