ARMED robbers threatened staff with a gun during a terrifying raid at Bargain Booze in Ramsbottom.

Two masked men, one wearing a V for Vendetta-style mask, burst into the off licence in Bolton Road West at about 7.20pm on January 12.

One man, armed with what is believed to be a handgun, pointed the weapon at staff and demanded cash from the till.

He also hit one of the workers, believed to be the owner of the off-licence, around the head with the gun.

In the CCTV footage, the man can be seen throwing items from the till at the robber and trying to fight him off.

Both men then fled in the direction of Ramsbottom town centre.

Police previously said they are investigating whether the incident is linked to a similar armed robbery in Radcliffe later that night.

Costcutter, in Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, was targeted by two robbers in a botched attempt to steal money from the till at around 9.40pm.

One of the robbers is thought to be in his early 20s, about 6ft tall and slim.

He was wearing a white V for Vendetta mask, a black tracksuit jacket with the hood up, light blue jeans with scuff marks and grey or blue deck shoes with white laces.

The other man was slim and wearing a dark grey Adidas hooded top, white and grey jogging bottoms and black trainers.

Det Con Dave Looby said: "Our investigation into this robbery is continuing and we are now in a position to release the CCTV of the incident.

“We are urging anyone who knows anything about the incident or who may be involved to get in touch with police and tell us what you know."

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8568181 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.