ARMED raiders broke into a town centre pub while the landlord was asleep.

The gang of three targeted the Ellesmere in St Helens Road, Leigh, at around 3.30am last Friday (31).

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.

Shortly afterwards a car failed to stop for officers in Wigan Road, Leigh. They followed the car for short distance before three men abandoned it close to the Sportsman pub.

Officers pursued the gang on foot and arrested a man on Cowper Street.

A 19-year-old man from Leigh has been arrested on suspicion of robbery. Inquiries are continuing.