A restaurant worker had a pistol held to his head during a raid by armed robbers, it was revealed on Friday.

Two thugs burst into McDonald's on Chorley Old Road, Bolton, at 7.10am on Thursday as four staff were opening for the day.

One of the men pointed a handgun at the head of a male worker and threatened to kill him unless they were led to a safe.

The men loaded about £1,000 into a blue canvas holdall and fled through the back door to a white car which was driven off towards Bolton town centre.

No-one was injured during the robbery, but all members of staff were said to be badly shaken and the store was closed until early afternoon.

Det Con Gary Knox, of Bolton CID, said: "This was a frightening ordeal for the members of staff involved who, fortunately, were not injured."

Following the incident, the store was under a police guard as officers launched an investigation.

The two raiders are believed to be white and aged in their late 20s to early 30s.

The man with the gun was described as slim. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans and brown trainer-style shoes with a distinctive orange sole.

The other man wore grey trainers, possibly made by Adidas, and a pair of grey faded jeans. He carried the blue holdall and spoke with a strong Irish accent.

The two men wore balaclavas and yellow fluorescent work jackets with grey reflector strips on them.

Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who saw a white car in the area immediately before or after the robbery.

A spokesman for McDonalds said on Thursday: "We can confirm that an incident took place at our Delph Hill restaurant this morning.

"We are very pleased to say that none of the staff present was injured in the incident, but they are currently being offered counselling and support following the experience.

"We are currently working closely with the police to assist them with their inquiries.

"The restaurant was closed temporarily while investigations took place, and is now reopen for business."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.