AN investigation is under way after a gang of men robbed a Bolton shop.

Staff were getting ready to close up for the night when three men wearing balaclavas barged their way into the One Stop shop in Minerva Road on Monday night.

Armed with items including a crowbar and baseball bat, they forced the staff into a room before raiding the safe and shelves for money and cigarettes.

Police are investigating the robbery which took place at around 10.50pm.

A spokesman said: “The shopkeeper was at the door of the premises when three offenders forced their way into inside with weapons.

“They forced the staff into the office and entered the safe and stole items of cash and cigarettes.

“The staff were not injured and the investigation is ongoing.”

The men left the area in a silver Ford Mondeo and neighbours reported not hearing anything at the time.

Police investigating a similar raid in Bury believe the incidents may be linked.

At around 10.20pm on the same night another One Stop shop, this time in Sunny Bank Road - located between Whitefield and Bury - was targeted by gang of robbers.

Three men wearing balaclavas and carrying crowbars entered the shop at around 10.20pm.

They took an undisclosed amount of money from the till before leaving the scene.

A car used in the getaway was later found burnt out in a nearby street.

It is believed no staff were hurt in the raid, which happened just before closing time.

Detective Inspector Jonathan Kelly said: “The suspects are still outstanding and the police investigation is ongoing.

“Three men went into the store but another could be involved.

“It is very similar to an incident in Bolton, which also happened on Monday night (at the One Stop shop, Farnworth).”

Anyone with information regarding the riobbery in Bolton is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference 2448 13 February, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.