A MAN threatened to shoot at police officers after an armed robbery at a shop last night.

Three men with weapons targeted the Co-op store in Tonge Moor Road at about 10pm, making demands for cigarettes and alcohol.

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Officers now have one man, aged 32, in custody and are questioning him in relation to the incident.

The thieves crashed their car, a Ford Fiesta, in nearby Archer Avenue while fleeing the scene, but were able to switch vehicles.

As responding officers arrived, a man ran towards them, making threats to shoot them before running away.

Police say that, although he indicated he had a weapon, there is no evidence to suggest he was in possession of one.

Chief inspector John Charlton of GMP’s Bolton Borough, said: “Once again, our officers have shown the utmost courage and sheer determination by running towards danger when often human instinct is to run away. 

“We’ll be making sure they have the appropriate support they need but, despite the extensive training they will have received, this incident would have been frightening and we cannot underestimate the trauma it will have caused them.

“And, quite frankly, it’s nothing short of disgusting that while they were responding to an emergency call and selflessly putting their safety in danger, the car they arrived in had been attacked.

“We’re still looking for people in connection with the robbery and while we don’t believe those who damaged the police car were involved, we need whatever information people have to be passed onto us.”

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An eyewitness who saw the car crash said: "I heard a massive bang and went outside. I saw the car in the middle of the road and two people running off. "Police sent the dogs after them.

"In the back of the car where was a lot of alcohol and cigarettes."

Fortunately, no-one was injured during the incident but on leaving the shop, officers noticed the patrol car had been hit with a brick, causing extensive damage to the windscreen and bumper.

Officers are appealing for information and for witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson for Co-op, said: “We can confirm that an incident occurred at our Tonge Moor Road, Bolton, store at 10pm on Tuesday, 20 November.

"Fortunately, no one was hurt.

"The store has re-opened today (Wednesday 22 November) to serve the community.

"We appeal for anyone with information to come forward to Police who are investigating. We want to thank the police for the speed of their response.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5657 quoting reference number 2092 of 20/11/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.