Robbers stormed into an off licence and beat the shopkeeper with a wooden bat before fleeing with cash.

Police have released CCTV footage of the attack in a bid to trace the offenders.

Shortly before 7pm on Sunday 14 September 2008, the two thieves went into Lee Wines on Hornbeam Road, Gorton.

One of the men then wielded a rounders bat and threatened the man working behind the till while his accomplice waited by the door.

He beat the shopkeeper with the bat and stole a small amount of cash from the till and a mobile phone.

After taking the money, the men ran out of the shop.

The man carrying the bat is described as white, 6ft tall, aged between 25 and 30, of slim build and with a large nose. He was wearing a black hooded top, jeans and trainers.

His accomplice is described as black, 6ft tall and aged between 25 and 30. He was of medium build and was dressed in dark clothing. His hooded top had white patches on the shoulders and writing on the front.

Police Constable Ian Wrench, of Longsight Robbery Unit, said: "These offenders are prepared to resort to violence very quickly in order to get their hands on cash and they need to be caught.

"This attack was terrifying for that shopkeeper. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured.

"The CCTV pictures are clear and I'd urge anyone who knows who these robbers to call us before they strike again."

Anyone with any information should call police on 0161 856 1936 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.