ARMED robbers threatened staff after stealing cash and cigarettes from a shop in Astley, Wigan.

Two men entered the Co-op on Manchester Road after parking outside in a black Citroen Saxo, which had been stolen earlier that day.

They threatened staff with a knife before going behind the counter and taking cash from the tills and two trays of cigarettes.

The incident happened at 7.45pm on Tuesday, January 29.

Det Con Andrew Hill, from Wigan CID, said: “This was a frightening situation for the shop staff to be faced with. As well as taking cash and cigarettes, the offenders took the shop assistant’s coat and mobile phone. Thankfully nobody was hurt but we are keen to identify the two offenders quickly.

“The black Citroen Saxo was stolen from the market on Southway in Eccles sometime during the day. It was then found burned out at around 9pm in Little Hulton in Salford.

"If you saw anyone acting suspiciously that day at the market or saw a car matching this description in Little Hulton, please contact police.”

The offenders are described as between 5ft 10in and 6ft.

One was slim and one was stocky. Both were wearing a black hooded jacket with ‘Max Ltd’ on the back in white lettering, black Adidas tracksuit trousers with three white stripes down the leg and black Adidas trainers. They also had black face masks and black gloves on.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.