A ROBBER fled empty handed after trying to hold up an Atherton betting shop at gunpoint on Friday.

At about 8.35pm on Friday 17 October 2014, a man wearing a balaclava and holding a hand gun entered Betfred on Bolton Road, Atherton.

He approached two members of staff who were sitting behind the counter, pointed at gun at them and made demands for money.

Fearing for their safety, both women dived under the counter and activated the alarm, prompting the man torun off empty handed.

He is described as wearing a black North Face jacket with the hood up, a black balaclava and grey tracksuit bottoms.

Det Sgt Paul Jackson, said: “We don’t know whether or not this was a real handgun, but that in no way lessened the distress this incident caused the two members of staff.

“Thankfully their quick thinking meant they were able to get out of his line of sight and activate the alarm, ensuring no cash was taken.

“We are now working to identify this man, who clearly is at ease carrying a gun and intimidating and threatening innocent people and if anyone can help us I would urge them to get in touch with whatever information they have.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7225/7292.