TWO masked men armed with machetes threatened staff during an armed robbery at a convenience store.

The robbers burst into the One Stop Shop on Church Lane in Lowton and approached a worker at the back of the store next to the tills.

One of them stole a quantity of cash and put it into a bag.

A second staff member was then forced towards another till before one of the men climbed over the counter and used a machete to open it.

The pair then took more money from this till as well as tobacco and two bottles of vodka.

They then fled in the direction of Fullwood Road.

The incident happened at around 9.30pm on Friday, March 16.

Detective Constable Chris Waddicar of GMP’s Wigan borough said: “No one should be in fear for their life while at their place of work and this is an incident which could have had really terrible consequences.

“These two men armed themselves with weapons to inflict fear and this in itself is appalling.

“I would ask for anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have seen anything suspicious to please get in touch.”

The duo, who were both carrying machetes, wore black clothing with balaclavas and gloves.

CCTV footage has been released by police in their appeal to find the offenders.

If you have any information about the incident contact the police on 0161 856 7292 quoting reference number 2,112 of March 16 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.