ROBBERS armed with axes smashed their way into a travel agency and stole money from terrified members of staff.

Four men broke down the front door of Hays Travel in Westhoughton at about 5pm on Thursday before demanding all the money.

Frightened employees at the Market Street store handed over the money before the raiders fled.

Don Bircham, managing director of Hays Travel North West, said: "The four men broke through the front door at about 5.07pm and entered with axes and demanded all the money.

"They were very, very aggressive. We gave them the money and they left. I can't say how much we lost but it was a significant amount. Luckily nobody was hurt."

Mr Bircham said the store had security measures in place, including a secure door lock and CCTV.

But he added: "What can you do if four bulky men smash their way through the door? Some criminals just do not think twice.

"The reality is, if they want to get in, they will get in.

"The staff are in a mess. They have gone home and we are helping them as much as we can.

"It is terrible and I do not know what the answer is. I am very angry and very frustrated.

"We have just spent £60,000 refurbishing the store recently, bringing it up to speed and making it a pleasant environment.

"We do have these issues in other branches around the country but we do not have this level of aggression anywhere else.

"I just hope that some progress can be made by the police. The people who did this just do not understand the long term effects this has on people."

He confirmed the Criminal Investigation Department had been out to the scene to speak to the staff and inspect the area.

Employees from nearby shops in Market Street saw about four police cars at the store just after the robbery took place.

Mohsin Iqbal, manager at Master Phones, said: "I was coming down Market Street and saw all the cars there.

"Obviously I was wondering what had happened. It is scary. I do not think this area is as safe as it used to be.

"I did not think that anything like this would happen at that time of day."

Karen Berry, from EJ News just down the road, said: "It is getting a bit too close for comfort."

Anyone who has any information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.