TWO men are in custody after an armed robbery at a bookmakers in Ashton.

Police were called to the Coral bookmakers on Kings Road, Ashton shortly before 9am yesterday (Thursday), following reports that a man dressed in dark clothing and wearing a motorcycle helmet had gone into the premises and demanded cash.

The offender was believed to be carrying a firearm and forced the cashier to lie down on the floor. After stealing a quantity of cash, the man fled the bookmakers, jumped into a green Hyundai parked on Surrey Street and drove off.

Officers attended and the vehicle was stopped minutes later on Leech Avenue.

Two men, aged 39 and 38, were arrested on suspicion of armed robbery and remain in police custody for questioning.

Detectives from Ashton CID are now appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the green car being driven erratically in the area to come forward.

Anyone with information should call Ashton CID on 0161 856 9256 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.