Diamond jewellery worth £50,000 was stolen during a terrifying armed raid on a shop.

Robbers armed with machetes burst into Midas Jewellers in Crompton Place at 1.50pm yesterday.

They threatened staff and ordered two customers inside to lie on the floor.

One of the masked raiders grabbed handfuls of jewellery on display in one of the windows and the pair fled.

The owner of the shop had nipped out and heard what was going on before dashing back to the shop.

As he arrived at the door, the robbers pushed him over and threatened him before they ran out of the shop.

Witnesses say they ran along Mealhouse Lane towards the Wilkinson store.

One was wearing a helmet and the other a balaclava. Steve Wilding, proprietor of Midas, said: "I had just been round the corner and I was going back someone said 'you are being robbed'.

"They grabbed handfuls of diamond rings. These are probably worth about £50,000."

Anyone with information should call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740.