DETECTIVES investigating a terrifying armed robbery at a shop in Radcliffe have released an e-fit picture of a man they wish to speak to.

The man was sitting in a van parked near to the Spar shop on Moss Shaw Way, minutes before a raid by a knife-wielding gang.

Two masked men burst into the shop at 11pm on April 19 and threatened staff with a 10ins long knife and demanded money from the till.

Det Insp Simon Collier, of Whitefield CID, said: "This man could be a totally innocent bystander or he could be linked to the men. We are very keen to speak to him as soon as possible.

"This was a particularly nasty incident and we are keen to find these men."

Police are examining links between the robbery and several other raids in Radcliffe in recent months.

The offenders who attacked the Spar shop are both described as white, approximately 5ft 8'' tall and were wearing black clothing and balaclavas.

Police say the man they are tracing was seen sitting in an old-style white transit van, which had yellow headlights, parked close to the shop across several parking spaces.

The man is described as white, between 32 and 38-years-old, approximately 5ft 7ins tall, of broad build, and had brown hair with flecks of grey.

He was rugged looking and had overnight stubble and spoke with an Irish accent.

He was wearing a pale coloured short-sleeved top.

Officers are keen to speak to this man as soon as possible as he may have important information that could assist their investigation.

Anyone with information should contact Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8240 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.