DETECTIVES investigating an armed robbery in Radcliffe have released an e-fit of a man they urgently need to trace.

The man was seen standing outside the Spar Shop in Moss Shaw Way shortly before two men burst in.

The raiders, who stole £1,500, threatened terrified staff by brandishing an oriental style knife with a 10-inch blade.

The robbery happened while staff were preparing to close the store shortly before 11pm on April 19.

Both offenders were said to be white, around 5ft 8ins and wore black clothing and balaclavas. No-one was injured during the attack but staff were left shaken.

After speaking to a number of witnesses, detectives have put together a composite photograph of a man who was using his mobile phone outside the shop and asked a customer what time the store closed.

He is described as white, aged between 32 and 38, 5ft 7ins, of broad build, with brown hair with flecks of grey. He was rugged looking and had overnight stubble flecked with grey. He spoke with an Irish accent. He was also wearing a pale coloured short-sleeved top.