A man who pretended he wanted a job at a bookmakers tried to rob the place at knifepoint.

The offender went into Betfred on Coalshaw Green Road in Chadderton at about 6pm on Monday, looked around the shop and then asked for a job application form.

About two hours later, he went back into the bookmakers and produced a six-inch knife. He demanded cash but when the manager of the store picked up a chair to defend himself, the would-be thief fled empty-handed.

He is described as black, in his late 20s to early 30s, of stocky build and about 5ft 11in tall. He was wearing a navy blue hooded top, navy blue tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

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

Detective Constable Mark Tiffany, from Oldham CID, said: "The man we are looking for was clearly canvassing the bookmakers earlier in the day before he decided to try and rob the place at knifepoint.

"Luckily, the manager picked up a chair and was prepared to defend himself, which was enough to cause the man to panic and flee without getting his hands on any money.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have seen this man loitering in the area at about the time of the attempted robbery, or a few hours before when we suspect he was scoping the property out, to come forward so we can find this man and stop him from striking again."

Anyone with information is asked to call Oldham CID on 0161 856 8955 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.