TWO masked men fired a shotgun in the air as they sped off on a motorbike from a robbery in Leigh.

The raiders had targeted security staff as they were delivering money to a hole-in-the-wall cash machine outside United Co-op Late Shop in Manchester Road, Astley, on Tuesday afternoon.

Shortly after 1.30pm, a blue 04-registered Suzuki GSX 1400cc bike pulled up beside the delivery guards and the pillion passenger threatened them with a sawn-off shotgun.

A large quantity of cash was handed over to the pair before they rode off down North Lane, firing the shotgun in the air as they went.

It is believed the bike then continued down South Lane. It was later found abandoned at the end of Hadbutt Lane, Astley.

It had previously been reported stolen from outside a house in Phaeton Close, Howe Bridge, Atherton, on Wednesday, July 28.

Det Sgt Dean Fraser, of Leigh CID, said: "This was a terrifying incident for the security staff and they have been left extremely shaken as a result.

"The fact that the offenders discharged the weapon was a completely reckless act. Fortunately, nobody was hurt as a result.

"It happened in broad daylight, when many members of the public were around so we would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact us.

"I am particularly appealing to the driver of a blue car-derived van, possibly a Ford Escort or Vauhall Astra, which was in the area where the bike was abandoned, and drove off from Hadbutt Lane, turning right on to Manchester Road towards Leigh. The vehicle had the word 'Diamond' written on it in white and possibly also the word 'Windows'."

The man armed with the shotgun was white, about 6ft tall, of slim build and was wearing a black balaclava, a navy blue top and dark tracksuit bottoms tucked into his socks, and was carrying a black holdall.

The bike's rider was of a stocky build and was wearing a blue leather outfit with a blue and white helmet.

Anyone with information should call Leigh CID on 0161 856 7253 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.