A BETTING office manager was hit over the head by two raiders wielding a golf club -- in one of three robberies within an hour.

They attacked the manager of Stanley Racing bookmakers in Walkden Road, Walkden, at 11.45am yesterday, just seven minutes after a robbery at a Irlams O' Th' Height betting office.

After bursting into the Walkden shop, armed with a golf club and a hammer, they struck the shop's manager over the head. He is not believed to have been seriously injured.

As staff and customers looked on the pair stole a small amount of cash before fleeing the scene in a silver Honda people carrier type car. Both raiders are described as young white men.

Witnesses described the getaway driver as being elderly but detectives believe he may have been wearing a mask.

The same raiders are also thought to have been involved in a later raid on a petrol station in Ardwick, Manchester. The getaway car was found dumped near the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Salford or Swinton police on 0161 872 5050 or the confidential Crimestoppers free phone hotline on 0800 555111.