A LANDLORD and his wife were tied up by masked men during a terrifying armed robbery at a pub in Great Lever.

Two men burst into the upstairs living quarters of The Brooklyn pub in Green Lane after climbing a set of outdoor stairs.

The 55-year-old landlord confronted the robbers but they hit him with a wooden stick, then hit his arm with an iron bar.

After threatening the couple, the robbers tied up both victims while they searched the rooms inside.

They fled after stealing cash.

The 52-year-old woman managed to free herself after the robbers left and activated an alarm which alerted the police.

It happened at 12.40am yesterday.

The landlord was taken to hospital for treatment to his arm but has since been discharged.

The couple were not at the pub yesterday following the ordeal, and are said to be shaken up.

It was open as usual with a relief manager in charge. He declined to comment about the incident.

The robbers were both white, wore masks and spoke with Merseyside accents.

Det Insp Gary Smith said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victims who had just finished a night’s business in the pub.

“The men behind this raid are clearly very dangerous and need to be caught as soon as possible.

“We therefore urge anyone who may have seen the offenders leaving or entering the pub, or anyone who may have information that can help us, to call us as soon as possible.” A neighbour, who asked not to be named, added: “It is worrying that something like that has happened.

“I did not see anything during the night or any police. The pub was busy on Sunday with it being Mother’s Day.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.