STAFF and customers had to be evacuated from a McDonald's eatery after an alleged "bomb threat".

A member of staff called the police to the fast food outlet in Bury's Mill Gate Shopping Centre as an incident unfolded.

It is understood that a man dressed in dark clothing demanded that a staff member open the till and give him money.

The Bury Times understands the man "threatened that he had a bomb in his bag."

Two other premises at The Mill Gate, in the town centre, were burgled in the early hours of last Tuesday morning.

A McDonald’s spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that an incident took place at our Bury restaurant last Wednesday.

"Our restaurant staff acted quickly and professionally by calling the police and following their advice. Fortunately no one was injured and we continue to support all those who were working at the time.”

The shop was evacuated at about 7.45pm, and an area around the McDonald's restaurant was cordoned off by police.

Forensic teams have been to take evidence.

An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said: "A man walked in dressed in all black, with a bag. He went up to the counter and asked for a member of staff behind the till to open it and give him the money.

"He threatened to have a bomb in his bag and said he would detonate if the money wasn't handed over. He took some cash.

"Everyone was evacuated.

"The police cordoned off an area from Natwest to Wilkinson Cameras, across from Yorkshire bank."

Last Tuesday, the Heron Foods supermarket and Poundbakery were targeted. Police were called to Market Street to reports of a break-in, shortly before 5am. Officers attended and arrested a man at the scene on suspicion of burglary.

The Bury Times has contacted Greater Manchester Police.