A MAN brandishing a machete has robbed a bookmakers in Leigh.

At about 9.10pm on Sunday July 5 the man walked into the shop on Chapel Street Leigh and walked up to the counter.

He threatened staff with the machete and demanded money then made off with cash, fleeing the shop and running away towards Earl Street.

The man is described as being white, around 5ft 8in tall and of slim build.

He was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up, dark tracksuit bottoms, black gloves and a black scarf covering the lower part of his face.

Police have now released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to.

Detective Constable Andy Partington, of Wigan division said: “The staff member was terrified at the sight of the man holding a machete and did not know if she would be injured if he did not do what he asked.

“I would ask people to look at the CCTV images and if you think you may have seen this man, please contact police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 7229 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.