THIEVES "left a gaping hole" in the shop floor of a travel agents after stealing a heavy duty safe.

Burglars smashed the lock off the front door to PR World Travel in Radcliffe to gain access on Friday night.

It was the second time the business had been targeted in the past 12 months.

Tania Lowe, a business partner at the firm, said she was "very relieved" that the break-in happened after the shop had shut for the day, and that none of the staff were harmed.

An investigation has been launched by police and officers have visited neighbouring businesses to request CCTV footage.

Mrs Lowe said: "Between 6.30pm and 6.45pm on Friday, May 10, a white van pulled up outside the front door of the shop in Water Street, obscuring the view of the door from any passing traffic on the busy main road.

"The burglars broke the lock on the metal gate that covers the front door and then proceeded to break the lock on the actual door. They went into the shop and the alarm sounded.

"Before the police arrived the burglars had managed to remove a heavy duty safe from the premises. The van drove off in the direction of Little Lever."

The Bury Times understands that the safe had been bolted down to the ground but the burglars pried it out.

"We are very relieved that it took place after hours", Tania added. "We are glad that all our staff are safe and thank them for all their support. We would also like to thank our customers who have offered their support."

PR World Travel has asked anyone with information that may assist in the ongoing police investigation to email them at tlowe@prworldtravel.com or private message them on Facebook. 

The award-winning PR World Travel was established in Radcliffe in 1991 and also has a second branch in Darwen.

The Bury Times has approached Greater Manchester Police for a comment.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.