TWO raiders armed with a kitchen knife and a metal bar threatened two employees when they robbed a newsagents.

The duo shouted at a female shop worker to opens the tills when they burst into the McColl's store on the corner of a parade of shops in Car Bank Street, Atherton, shortly after 9pm on Tuesday last week.

Police said the man wielding the knife threatened a second woman working there and the man carrying the metal bar started to bang the till on the counter until the first woman opened the cash drawers.

The pair fled with cash and left in a red car in the direction of Bolton Road.

Detective Constable Amelia Trimble of GMP’s Wigan borough said: "Such violence is simply not acceptable and I would like to appeal to the public for their help to catch these men.

"If you saw this robbery take place or saw the men fleeing in the red car in the nearby area then please contact police."

The robber with the knife is described as white, of slim build, about 5ft 8in and wearing a face covering and dark gloves.

His accomplice, who was armed with the metal bar, is described as white, of slim build, about 5ft 8in.

He also had his face disguised and was carrying a rucksack and his outfit consisted of a dark hooded jacket, blue tracksuit trousers, trainers and black gloves.

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 7292 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.