A thief wielding a claw hammer stole cash in a restaurant raid.

It happened at a branch of the McDonalds fast food restaurant on Tyldesley Road, Hindsford, Atherton at about 9pm on Thursday, November 15.

The offender, while brandishing the weapon, approached the counter and demanded the tills be opened. After emptying a significant amount of cash into his own plastic bag, he then left.

No-one was injured but the staff at the restaurant were shaken up.

The thief is described as being white, about 5ft 10in tall, of a medium build and wearing a black hooded top with the hood pulled up. He was also wearing gloves and dark shorts.

Detective Constable Darren Reid said: "This man brazenly walked into the restaurant brandishing a claw hammer and threatened staff with violence.

"It is quite possible he is local to the area as he was wearing shorts on a cold night and may not have come far to commit this robbery.

"People who commit these types of robberies, during which innocent people are threatened, are cowards and it is very important we identify the culprit and ensure justice is done.

"If you have any information then please contact police."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.