A WOMAN was left "extremely shaken" after masked robbers forced their way into a foodstore and threatened her with a hammer.

The masked duo subjected the woman to what police have described as an "awful attack" as they forced their way into Costcutter on Holt Street.

The pair forced their way in a the woman opened the shop and threatened her with a hammer before forcing her to the back of the store.

The men then stole a quantity of cash and cigarettes as well as a bottle of wine.

The duo then fled on foot in the direction of Bright Street.

No-one was injured during this robbery but the woman was left "extremely shaken" by her ordeal.

The man armed with the hammer has been described as white, approximately 5ft 4ins tall and in his 30s.

He was wearing a grey tracksuit top with the hood up and grey tracksuit bottoms which were dirty.

The second man has been described as white, approximately 5ft 4ins tall and of slim build.

He was wearing a brown hooded top with grey jogging bottoms and a black rucksack.

Both offenders had scarves covering their faces.

The robbery took place at around 7.20am on Thursday last week (February 22).

Detective Constable Chris Waddicar, of GMP’s Wigan borough, said: “The fact that this woman was subjected to this awful attack as she opened the shop in the morning is appalling.

“While she wasn’t injured, she was threatened with a hammer in her place of work and has understandably been left extremely shaken.

“This happened close to rush hour and I am urging anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or has any information that could assist our investigation to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting reference number 325 of February 22, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.