MEN in motorcycle helmets - armed with a hammer and a machete - shattered counters and terrified staff during a robbery at a jewellers in the Market Place shopping centre.

The robbery happened at 4.35pm on Friday, at Carters Jewellers in the Bolton town centre shopping arcade.

The two armed men stormed in and threatened staff, with one of them jumping over the counter and smashing a glass cabinet.

Members of staff were lying on the floor in fear as the raiders stole several items of jewellery, including rings and bracelets.

The men then ran out Market Place towards the Knowsley Street entrance.

One slim, wore light blue jeans and was carrying a hammer, while his accomplice slim and carrying a machete.

Detectives have now released CCTV images of both men, along with pictures of some of the items that were stolen.

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Det Insp Phil Key said: "This was a violent, terrifying robbery for staff to be subjected to.

"The pair clearly had the audacity to carry out this robbery during a busy time, but we do know that there would have been witnesses who can help us.

"Anyone in Bolton who may have seen the offenders at around this time is urged to call us."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 8565619 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.