A SHOP assistant was threatened with a gun and forced to hand over takings.

A man entered Victoria Wine on Bury Old Road, Whitefield, and asked for a packet of cigarettes before walking behind the counter to threaten the 18-year-old male member of staff with a black handgun.

The armed robber then demanded a quantity of cash and cigarettes before leaving the shop on foot.

He is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall, with shaved black hair and dark stubble. The man was wearing a three-quarter length beige coat over a red top with black shoes. He was carrying a small rucksack and a small green carrier bag.

Pc Jon Flowers said: "This was a terrifying incident for the young man in the shop to be faced with.

"Fortunately he was not hurt but he was understandably very shaken by what had happened."

He added: "We are appealing for anyone who saw a man matching the description walking in the area."

Anyone with information on the incident, which happened at 4.30pm on Thursday, is asked to contact Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8240 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.