Police are investigating after a gang of armed robbers raided a convenience store near Whitefield last night.

Three men wearing balaclavas and carrying crowbars entered the One Stop Store in Sunny Bank Road at around 10.20pm.

They took an undisclosed amount of money from the till before leaving the scene.

A car used in the getaway was later found burnt out in a nearby street.

It is believed no staff were hurt in the raid, which happened just before closing time.

Detective Inspector Jonathan Kelly said: “The suspects are still outstanding and the police investigation is ongoing.

“Three men went into the store but another could be involved.

“It is very similar to an incident in Bolton, which also happened last night.”

Police believe the raid in Sunny Bank Road, which is located between Whitefield and Bury, could be connected to a robbery in Farnworth, Bolton.

At 10.50 the same evening, three men raided the One Stop Store in Minerva Road.

The men had their faces covered and were carrying weapons, including a crowbar and baseball bat.

As a shop keeper was opening the front door when they forced their way in.

Once inside they forced the staff in to an office before stealing cash from a safe and cigarettes.

They left the area in a silver Ford Mondeo.

There were no reported injuries and police inquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference 2448 13 February, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.