A GUNMAN threatened to shoot a woman cashier during a raid at a Horwich bookmakers.

The man pointed the gun at the woman's head before he placed a bag on the counter and ordered her to fill it with money.

The thief escaped from the Ladbrokes betting shop in Chorley New Road with a large sum of cash.

Police are still hunting the man who burst into the bookmakers at 10.15am on Monday.

The raider grabbed a blue bag which the cashier loaded with cash and then calmly walked out of the shop and along Chorley New Road in the direction of Horwich town centre.

The robbery left the cashier shaken but she was not injured during the robbery.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses.

Det Con Steve Riddle, of Bolton CID, said:"This was a very frightening robbery which has left a woman understandably traumatised and we are very keen to trace this man.

"Chorley New Road is very busy at that time of day and we would urge anybody who believes they may have seen a man fitting the description to get in touch with us."

The offender struck just minutes after the shop had opened for business.

He is described as of mixed race, in his early 20s and is of slim build.

He was wearing a black hooded coat with a logo on the chest and the hood pulled up around his head.

The gun has been described as silver and is said to have had a six-inch barrel.

The betting shop remained open for business after police had interviewed staff.

Aaron Kennedy, aged 28, of Chorley New Road, said:"I was going to place a bet and the door was locked.

"About four police cars turned up and someone said there had been an armed robbery."

Police say the amount stolen was "in four figures". Anyone with information is asked to contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers on free phone on 0800 555111.