AN armed robber threatened to shoot a shop worker before running off with cash.

The robber, who was armed with a handgun, raided Khan’s off-licence in Dumers Lane, Radcliffe, on Monday at about 9pm.

He threatened the worker with the pistol and threatened to shoot him if his demands were not met.

The 55-year-old cashier gave the robber cash and he then ran from the store.

Police have now released a CCTV image in the hope someone will recognise the robber.

The victim was left shaken up but was not injured.

PC Harry Taylor said: “Although it is unclear if the thief has a genuine or imitation firearm, in some ways it is irrelevant because imitation firearms look very realistic so there is no way a member of the public would be able to tell the difference.

“That is why the shopkeeper was so startled and fearful he would be genuinely shot at and did absolutely the right thing by not trying to take this thief on.

“We simply cannot have shopkeepers in our communities being targeted at gunpoint in this way so it is imperative we find the offender as soon as possible before he can strike again.

“I would urge people to not only look carefully at the CCTV and come forward if you recognise him, but also be vigilant for anyone acting suspiciously outside a shop and if you think someone is lurking or canvassing a property then please call us immediately.

“This man has access to a firearm, whether it be real or imitation, and we need to find him and make the weapon safe so please, if you do know something, call us.”

The raider is white, 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall, slim and spoke with a local accent.

He was wearing a balaclava, a dark blue Bomber-style jacket with the Superdry logo in white lettering and carrying a silver pistol.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.