A WOMAN was attacked with a cosh during a terrifying armed raid at a bookmakers.

Five masked men, one armed with a gun, another carrying the cosh, targeted the Bet Fred shop in St Helens Road, Daubhill, on Saturday night.

They demanded cash from two female cashiers, before attacking one with the baton because she did not hand it over quickly enough.

A member of the gang then reached over the counter and grabbed a handful of notes from the till, before running out of the shop with his accomplices.

It is unclear how much money was taken, but it is believed to be a few hundred pounds. The incident happened at around 9.15pm on Saturday , 45 minutes before the shop was due to close.

Police are now examining CCTV footage and are appealing for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

Det Con Ged Earley, of Bolton police, said: "The two members of staff involved in this attack were just going about their normal jobs when this incident happened.

"They were both left very shaken and one of them had a sore shoulder after being hit, but fortunately did not require hospital treatment.

"We would ask anyone who thinks they may have seen people acting suspiciously to contact us."

Police say the offenders are believed to be Asian and were wearing dark clothing with their faces covered.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.