A DEADLY arsenal of weapons was stolen by masked raiders who who smashed their way into a Bolton gun shop.

The five-man gang snatched 10 guns after they forced open the security shutters at Target Sports, in Halliwell Road, Halliwell, early on Wednesday.

Detectives feared that the weapons would now be in the hands of the underworld and described the possible consequences as "terrifying".

The haul is believed to have included several shotguns, hunting rifles and crossbows.

The gang were seen by a members of the public outside the shop at 1.15am.

All five were wearing balaclavas and rolled up the shop's shutters before smashing their way inside the store and taking the guns.

The gang are believed to have been in the shop a matter of minutes.

They were then seen driving away from the shop along Halliwell Road and on to Moss Bank Way in what has been described as a white Vauxhall Vectra or Cavalier.

On Wednesday morning, the shop's metal shutters lay badly damaged on the pavement outside. Target Sports sells air-rifles, as well as hunting knives, swords, and archery equipment, including crossbows.

Firearms experts were due to be called in this morning to determine exactly what weapons had been taken.

Shop owner Ian Monks said that the robbery did raise concerns "for public safety".

He is yet to carry out a stock-check at the store, but added: "We are presuming that the guns are some of the lower-powered weapons we sell, but until we carry out a thorough check, we do not know."

He said the shop had been broken into several years ago, but no firearms were taken.

Det Sgt Keith Isherwood, of Bolton CID, said: "A further 10 firearms on the streets is a terrifying thought.

"We don't know exactly what has been taken yet but we will interview the owner this morning and when he has had the chance to do a full stock check, we will be able to see exactly what has been taken."

Anyone with information should contact CID at Bolton on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.