DETECTIVES in Bolton are appealing for witnesses to an armed robbery at an off-licence in the town.

A man carrying a wooden-handled hammer threatened a member of staff at Wine Cellars off licence, on Chorley Old Road.

He robbed the shop on Sunday, January 23, at 9.55pm, while wearing a home-made white balaclava.

As he approached the till, he pulled the hammer out of his pocket.

He threatened the employee and demanded she handed over money from the till.

He then leant over and grabbed a small quantity of cash and also stole the employee's mobile phone before leaving the shop.

The offender is described as white, approximately 5ft 5in tall, of medium build and aged between 18 and 20 years old.

He was wearing a baseball cap over the balaclava, a petrol blue-coloured zip-up bomber jacket and light trousers. He spoke with a local accent.

DC Mike Gladwin, of Bolton CID, said: "Thankfully the member of staff who was involved in this robbery was not injured but she was left shaken and did have personal property stolen.

"If anyone recognises the person matching this description, or may have seen someone acting suspiciously near to the shop, I would ask them to contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 0964 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."