Police are hunting a white male in his early 20s who held up a Bargain Booze in Little Hulton last night.
Officers were called to Manchester Road East store at 7.05pm on Thursday 4 February to reports of an armed robbery.
Detectives believe the man, who was wearing a tracksuit, hooded top and carrying a gold JD Sports bag over his shoulder, walked into the store concealing a weapon in his jacket.
Luckily no-one else was in the shop at the time.
He approached the shop assistant and pulled out what is believed to be a gun, threatening the staff member and attempting to force them to open the till.
When the till remained locked he instead demanded his bag was filled with cigarettes.
Police are now studying CCTV inside and outside the shop to determine his identity.
It’s believed he ran off on foot down a back entry towards Prescott Street, near St Andrew’s Methodist Primary School, where a car may have been waiting.
Back entry on Prescott Street – Google Street View
Supported by the police helicopter, India 99, police dogs joined the hunt in the wake of the robbery, but the trail ran cold.
Officers are still speaking to witnesses and passersby who were in the vicinity at the time.
No arrests have yet been made, the force confirmed.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Main image: Bargain Booze, Manchester Road East – Google Street View
