ARMED robbers broke into a pub while the landlord was asleep.

The gang of three targeted the Ellesmere, in St Helens Road, Leigh, at around 3.30am on Friday.

They were disturbed when the landlord woke and went to investigate. The men, one of whom was carrying a baton, stole cash and fled the scene in a car.

At around the same time a car failed to stop for officers on patrol in Wigan Road, Leigh. They followed the car for a short distance before three men abandoned it close to the Sportsman pub.

Officers pursued them on foot and arrested a man on Cowper Street. A 19-year-old man from Leigh was been arrested on suspicion of robbery. Inquiries are continuing.