A CACHE of shotguns stolen from a shop in Bolton may have been taken abroad.

The 10 weapons were taken during a raid on Target Sports, Halliwell Road, Halliwell, last month.

Despite extensive enquiries, detectives investigating the break in say they have not yet found any trace of the guns.

A description of the guns and serial numbers have been circulated throughout Greater Manchester and the rest of the country.

Gun shops and dealers have also been warned to be on the lookout for the stolen collection.

DI Sarah Wallwork from Bolton CID said: "Our enquiries are ongoing but as yet, we have found no trace of the weapons.

"They have not been used in any armed raids which have been committed in the region since the robbery. The guns are quite specialised and very expensive and as an result, we believe there is a possibility they have gone abroad.

"The robbery was well planned and they were probably stolen to order.

"It is unusual for weapons like these to be stolen. They were well protected at the shop and nothing like this has happened before.

"We would appeal to anyone who has any information about the robbery to contact us."

The men, who were all wearing balaclavas, struck at the gun shop in the early hours of August 25.

They forced open the shutters before smashing their way into the shop through a window.

The gang were then seen fleeing the scene in a white Vauxhall saloon which was later found abandoned in Woodhouse Park, south Manchester.

Anyone who with information on the whereabouts of the guns is asked to call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.