POLICE are hunting a "vicious" machete-wielding robber who threatened a Bury shopkeeper.

Shortly after 7.30pm on Saturday, January 9, a man wearing a balaclava and dark clothing carrying a machete went into Fairfield Convenience Store on Rochdale Old Road in Bury.

The offender was initially stood on the street corner of Rochdale Road at the junction with Battersby Street across the road from the Fairfield Inn before he went into the shop.

He threatened the shop keeper and demanded that the till was opened, before stealing the cash and leaving the shop.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses.

PC Lucy Cronin said: "The man in the shop made a sterling attempt to defend himself and prevent the robbery but was overwhelmed by the vicious behaviour of the offender.

"We have released CCTV images from the shop in the hope that we can identify the offender. If anyone has any information about the robbery or saw this man in the area around the time of the offence I would ask that they contact police."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8181 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.