A shopkeeper has been injured in a terrifying armed robbery at a shop.
Three thugs burst into Costcutter, in Leigh Road, Atherton, at about 8.05am today.
The gang then threatened the owner and two customers with an unnamed weapon.
Police believe the gang tried to steal a large quantity of cigarettes before fleeing the scene in a red Audi A3.
The shopkeeper was taken to hospital with a leg injury.
People living close to the scene reported that the shop was taped off by police following the incident.
A spokesperson for GMP said: "Officers were called around 8.05am on Friday 15 January 2021 to Leigh Road, Atherton, to a report of a robbery at Costcutters.
"Officers attended and established that an employee and two members of the public were threatened with a weapon by three offenders.
"The offenders are believed to have attempted to steal a large quantity of cigarettes before the offenders left the scene in a red Audi A3.
"The shop owner was taken to hospital to receive treatment on his leg and enquiries are ongoing.
"Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 7254 quoting incident number 533 of 15/01/21.
Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
