A MACHETE gang is believed to have carried out raids at a computer firm and a late shop -- within two hours.

The four-man gang escaped with cash and a haul of computers after threatening employees with a machete.

The raiders first struck shortly after 6pm on Wednesday when they forced the rear door of a delivery truck and stole computer equipment.

When staff at ITAC UK Ltd at Mountheath Industrial Estate, Prestwich, disturbed the raiders they were threatened with a machete by a raider described as being black and wearing a white jacket.

The masked gang made off with their haul in a red Hyundi car.

Less than two hours later, the gang with the same description stormed the Healds late shop in Parr Lane, Unsworth. They attacked the tills with a heavy spanner and made off with cash, a till and two bottles of vodka.

PC John Flowers of Bury's operational police unit said: "We are linking both incidents and we would like to hear from anyone who can help us arrest the gang members."

Detectives are also investigating two other raids by two masked men in Manchester Road, Bury, on Sunday night.

Two shots were fired as staff and regulars at the Pack Horse Hotel fought with the raiders who burst into the pub. They were forced to flee but detectives believe the same two men then raided a restaurant, Est Est Est, also in Manchester Road, 30 minutes later.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Whitefield CID on 856 8248 or call Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.