ARMED robbers stormed a popular Prestwich restaurant and demanded cash from terrified staff in a late night raid.

Three offenders entered the TGI Friday's outlet in Valley Park Road shortly before 10.30pm on Sunday and threatened staff.

They then made off with "a large quantity of cash" before fleeing in a stolen Audi A3, police say.

Armed officers rushed to the scene and searched the area, however no arrests have yet been made.

No one was injured in the attack but staff have been left "incredibly shaken".

A short time later fire crews and a significant number of police were called to a car fire in Mersey Drive, Whitefield, involving the Audi A3.

After extinguishing the flames the fire service turned the burnt out car over to the police.

It is suspected the car, which has been "destroyed" by the fire, may have been deliberately set alight.

Enquiries into the incident are on going an anyone with any information is asked to call the police on 101 quoting incident number 3349 of 20/10/2019, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.