Police in Oldham are hunting armed robbers who stole cash from a bookmakers.

At about 6.50pm on Monday, three masked men entered Ladbrokes, on Hollins Road.

One robber stayed at the door while the two others approached the counter and threatened staff with a handgun, demanding money. One of them pointed the gun at a woman's face and pulled the trigger, but the weapon wasn't loaded.

The offenders then stole a quantity of cash and left the shop.

There are no reports of any injuries but the woman was left extremely distressed by the incident.

Detective Constable Emily Goonan of Oldham CID said: "This must have been a truly horrific experience for the woman involved.

"She wouldn't have known whether the gun was loaded or whether it was a real firearm ⿿ she would have simply thought that she was going to be shot in the face.

"Not surprisingly this incident has had a profound effect on her as she has relived the moment over and over.

"These robbers clearly stop at nothing to intimidate their victims and if they are capable of pulling the trigger in someone's face then they are capable of almost anything.

"We need anyone with information on this to call us as soon as possible."

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Oldham CID on 0161 856 8940 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.