DETECTIVES are hunting three thugs who got away with cash and drink in an armed raid on an off-licence.

The three went into the Victoria Wines store in Park Lane, Whitefield, at about 10pm on Thursday and one threatened a shop assistant with a red Stanley knife.

They kept the door shut by placing a large rock behind it and two of the robbers jumped over the counter. As one brandished a knife, the second man put bottles of spirits into a blue holdall and grabbed cash from the till.

The three ran from the premises and got into a vehicle parked at the rear of the shop.

Police say all the offenders were white and were wearing dark clothing and dark balaclavas.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8123 or, alternatively, contact Crimestopppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.