two groups of people were threatened at gunpoint in Bury.

The two incidents happened 24 hours apart and officers are trying to establish if they are linked.

A couple aged 16 and 18 were sitting on a bench close to the entrance of Hoyle Park, off Thrush Drive, at 10.20pm last Thursday when they were approached by three men. One produced what looked like a handgun, pointed the barrel at the 18-year-old man’s forehead and demanded cash. He then hit his forehead with the butt of the gun The couple were also punched and kicked before the thugs ran off.

The next day, at about 11pm, two women, aged 28 and 25, were approached from behind as they walked along York Street, Bury.

One yob tried to grab one woman’s bag and, during the struggle, the thug produced what looked like a handgun and held it to the victim's head, telling her to let go of the bag.

The group then ran off with the bag.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bury CID on 0161 856 8145 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.