ROBBERS armed with an axe threatened staff during a raid in Leigh - but were forced to flee empty-handed when they could not get the till open.

Two men wearing balaclavas walked into the Cost Less in Wigan Road at around 9pm on Monday and demanded cash.

One man made threats to the staff while brandishing the axe, while the second robber tried to open the till.

As he struggled to get the cash, a member of staff set off an alarm and both robbers fled.

It is believed the men escaped on a motorbike and travelled along Wigan Road in the direction of Nel Pan Lane.

Nobody was injured during the incident, but staff and customers were left badly shaken.

Call Leigh CID on 0161 856 7770 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 if you have information about the incident.