A masked thief lay in wait for a woman carrying a large amount of cash and tried to rob her in broad daylight.

The incident happened at about 9.40am on November 7 as the victim was walking along Great Clowes Street, Salford, near to the aquarium.

The victim was carrying a large amount of cash in a carrier bag and the thief hid behind a wall in a nearby car park, waiting to pounce.

He ran at the woman who turned around to see the masked man who was brandishing what was described as a police-style baton. He demanded cash and tried to grab the bag.

However, the victim held on and started to scream, at which point the would-be thief fled.

Police are now appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward.

Police Constable Mark Cole, from the Robbery Unit based at Swinton Police Station, said: "The man we are looking for is an opportunist who clearly had no qualms about trying to rob a woman in broad daylight.

"It was a frightening experience for the victim to be confronted by a masked man who was brandishing a weapon but thankfully she was not hurt.

"It is vital we catch this man so he does not strike again. There was a lot of traffic on Great Clowes Street at that time of day so there must be someone who witnessed what happened. Please, if you did see anything come forward.

"We would also like to speak to a man who we believe was on the car park at the same time as the offender and who went to the victim's aid."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Robbery Unit at Swinton Police Station on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.