POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a cash-in-transit robbery outside a Greenmount restaurant.

At around 3.15pm on Christmas Eve, a G4S van arrived at Miller and Carter in Brandleshome Road and the driver went inside.

In the meantime, a black Audi reversed onto the pavement next to the van and waited for the man to come out.

As the driver exited the building, two men – one of whom was armed with a hammer - got out of the Audi and threatened him before taking the cash box he was carrying.

The offenders then fled the scene, seemingly unaware that the cash box was empty.

The driver escaped with minor injuries, but was left ‘shaken’ by the incident.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a large police presence and an area taped off outside the restaurant.

Detective Constable Mark Robertson, of GMP’s Bury borough, said: “Although the men didn’t get away with any cash, they still subjected another person to a terrifying ordeal as he was trying to go about his daily business.

“This simply cannot be allowed to happen and we are keen to speak with anyone who may have information that can help us find the men responsible.

“If you think that you can help then I would encourage you to please contact police.”

A spokesman for G4S added: “On 24 December one of our cash crews was subjected to a brazen attack in broad daylight.

“While it is fortunate that no-one was seriously injured, our courier was shaken by the incident.

"We are working with Greater Manchester Police to see that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 8223 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.