A MASKED thief broke into a pub 'taking everything he could get his hands on'.

The Morning Star pub in Radcliffe was targeted in the early hours of the morning by a man wearing a balaclava and dark clothing.

Landlord John McGuigan said he was appalled to see CCTV of the offender 'systematically taking his belongings'.

Mr McGuigan, aged 46 from Radcliffe, said: "What he has done is scandalous.

"The worst thing for me was watching it back on video, seeing a guy systematically rooting through and taking my belongings.

"He kept his balaclava and gloves on the whole time."

CCTV showed the offender using a tool, thought to be a chisel, to cut through the lock on the entrance door.

Greater Manchester Police established that the burglary took place between 5.10am and 6.30am, on Thursday, January 11.

Mr McGuigan, who became landlord at the pub 12 months ago, said: "He was coming in and out as he wanted. He took the cash tray, the reserve float, the bonus ball money, cash from the tip jars, everything."

It is estimated there was more than £1,000 worth of goods stolen, including two laptops, e-cigarette equipment, as well as several spirits.

Bottles of Russian Standard vodka, Bacardi and Jack Daniels were also said to have been taken.

The pub was temporarily closed for one day after the break-in but has now reopened for business as usual.

A spokesman for GMP said: "An offender forced their way into a pub on Thomas Street and stole a quantity of cash and bottles of alcohol before fleeing the scene.

"No arrests or charges have been made."