A MACHETE was used to threaten a shop owner during a robbery in Hindley.

Two men stole money and cigarettes from a shop on Atherton Road on Monday, December 30 at around 9.05pm.

One of the robbers threatened the 44-year-old man who was working behind the counter with a machete while the second offender searched the shop.

Both men then left and drove off in a small white van.

One man is described as being muscular and as wearing a grey hooded top with thick white drawstrings, grey tracksuit bottoms with a white and black stripe down the side, black gloves and a balaclava.

The second wore a black hooded coat and dark blue jeans.

Detective Constable Darren Reid from Wigan East INPT said: “We believe the van used in the robbery parked outside the shop and was there for around ten minutes before the offenders used it to drive away.

“I would ask anyone who may have seen the van outside Ma Food and Wine between 9.05pm and 9.15pm to contact us. Also, if you witnessed anything suspicious or believe you may have seen these men, I would urge you to call police.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 7081 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.