VICIOUS gangs using a gun, an axe and a knife brought terror to the streets of Bury in three separate attacks on Monday.

In one incident, police are hunting a masked gang who dragged a woman from her car before trying to steal it in Prestwich.

The 29-year-old was in her Mini Cooper on Butterstile Lane when she was approached by two men who dragged her out.

The men, who were armed with an axe and spanner, tried to drive off but stalled the car. They escaped in a waiting BMW.

In an incident later that evening, a 38-year-old man was robbed of his car at knifepoint in Radcliffe.

He was getting out of his black Honda Civic in North Street at about 9.45pm when a man armed with a knife threatened him and demanded the keys.

He was about 6ft tall and wore dark clothing.

In a third incident two men threatened a motorist with a gun before stealing cash and his mobile phone.

The victim got out of his car in South Bank Road, Bury, and was confronted by the two robbers.

They demanded his possessions while producing a handgun. The victim, who handed over money and his phone, followed the offenders in his vehicle as they escaped on foot.

Detectives are investigating the robbery that occurred at around 3.10am on Monday.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8093 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.