A BUSINESSMAN was attacked with an electric cattleprod by a masked gang who ransacked his jewellers shop.

Three men struck as the 33-year-old was parking his car at the rear of Mahavir Jewellers, in Deane Road, Bolton, late on Monday night.

After the victim opened shutters and had driven into a garage at the rear of the shop, two masked men opened the driver's side and passenger door and used the stun gun to shock the man.

He was then dragged into the shop where he was forced to hand over money while the men emptied shelves full of jewellery into bags. The victim was then forced to carry some jewellery to a car waiting in a back street, where a third male with a gun threatened him.

While the third man stayed with the victim the two others went back into the premises and stole jewellery, which is in the style of Asian dress jewellery.

The three men fled in a car.

The victim was left with minor cuts and bruises, as well as being extremely shaken by the incident.

The first two men are described as white, approximately 5ft 8in tall, of medium to stocky build and in their twenties.

They wore dark clothing and masks.

It is believed the third man, who was also wearing a mask, was Asian.

Det Con Steve Riddle, from Astley Bridge CID, said: "This was a terrifying experience for the man and he was lucky he did not sustain more serious injuries.

"If anyone saw people acting suspiciously in the area leading up to this incident, or is aware of the type of jewellery worn in the Asian community available for sale in suspicious circumstances we ask they contact us."