MASKED raiders hit a member of a social club staff over the head with a baseball bat during an early morning armed attack in which they escaped with a substantial sum of money.

Four masked men broke into Atherton Liberal Club in Flapper Fold Lane yesterday as staff were locking the back doors. The raiders, armed with baseball bats, struck a 48-year-old man and two other male staff members were forced inside the building where they were tied up. Staff at the club declined to comment but it is believed the attack victim was not seriously injured.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to contact Leigh CID on 0161 856 7253.