RAIDERS who robbed a betting shop in Astley Bridge were armed with a sledgehammer and a crowbar, police have revealed.

The balaclava-clad culprits in burst into Ladbrokes in Belmont Road at around 5pm on Tuesday (May 31) in broad daylight and spent just a few minutes carrying out their heist.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said: "Two men entered the shop armed with a sledgehammer and a crowbar before using force to steal a large amount of cash.

"The men left the scene on a motorcycle then made their escape in what is believed to be a stolen van."

Nobody is believed to have been hurt in the incident and it is understood the haul amounted to £1,500.

Police enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.