A JEWELLER has been praised by detectives who are hunting three masked raiders who smashed their way into his shop.

The gang struck at 4.15pm yesterday, using a sledgehammer to force open doors at the shop in Hodge Road, Walkden, and set upon the jeweller.

As two men pinned him down and sprayed a noxious gas into his face, the third man smashed his way into a cabinet and grabbed trays of gold rings worth thousands of pounds.

But their courageous victim put up a struggle and managed to break free and press an alarm button, actions which today were commended by police officers.

Det Insp Ray Towey of Swinton police said: "The violence used by these people could have had more serious consequences and somebody out there must know who they are."

"The victim was sprayed in the face with some form of noxious gas. Obviously when you are not aware of the state of health of somebody that is a very dangerous thing to do.

"He managed to break free and raise the alarm, a brave thing to have done. He was not badly hurt but was very shocked by what happened."

The three men, who all wore balaclavas, fled the scene in a silver Subaru Imprezza, which was abandoned in Fairhurst Drive, Little Hulton, 20 minutes after the robbery.

Anyone with information should contact Swinton CID on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.