Axemen were foiled in a bid to rob a town centre betting shop.

Masked men, both carrying axes, entered through the back door of Tote Bookmakers in Market Street, Hindley and one demanded money and threatened a bookmaker's clerk.

They unsuccessfully chopped at the security screens around the till area then ran off.

The men were seen running away through a nearby park where they discarded their clothes.

One man was described as 5ft 10ins tall wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Andrew Whittle of Wigan CID said: "These men tried to use violence in order to steal cash.

"As they failed in this attempt I want to catch them before they try something like this again.

"If you were in the area around the time of the incident at 8pm on Saturday, July 25, or even a short time after when the men may have still been in the park, and you saw anything of a suspicious nature then please get in touch."

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 7248 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.