Armed robbers burst into a bookmakers on Bolton Road in Swinton this afternoon threatening staff with a sledgehammer.
Firearms police were called to the scene after reports from passersby that one of the robbers had a gun.
This has not been confirmed either by police or by staff at the bookmakers.
Multiple emergency vehicles are still at the scene, near the junction with Hall Street, and have cordoned off the premises.
At around 4.30pm today, Monday 4 January, three masked men are believed to have walked into Stan James Bookmakers on the A666 Bolton Road.
Brandishing hammers they smashed the screens of gambling machines and demanded money from the lone female cashier.
The men made off with the contents of the till, thought to be just over £200.
No one was reported injured in the attack.
The men are described as wearing black balaclavas with khaki green parka coats.
Two were described as being white males, approximately 5ft 10in tall.
Police searched the area on arrival but found no trace of the thieves.
Officers are now checking CCTV to discover which direction the men fled.
No arrests have yet been made.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Main image: Stan James, Bolton Road – Google Street View
