DETECTIVES have launched a manhunt after an armed robbery at an off-licence.

An 18-year-old member of staff at Victoria Wine in Bury Old Road, Prestwich, was held at gunpoint and threatened by a man who entered the shop at 4.30pm on Thursday (April 10).

The offender at first asked for a packet of cigarettes. As the male employee turned around to get them, the man walked behind the counter and pointed a black handgun directly at him.

The man then demanded cash and cigarettes before leaving the shop.

He was white, 5ft 9ins tall, with shaved black hair and dark stubble. He was wearing a three-quarter length beige coat over a Manchester United football shirt, black shoes and was carrying a small rucksack and a small green carrier bag.

PC John Flowers, from Bury's operational police unit, said: "This was a terrifying incident for the young man in the shop to be faced with.

"Fortunately he was not hurt but he was understandably very shaken by what had happened.

"We are appealing for anyone who saw a man matching the description walking in the area before or after the armed robbery."

He added: "We know that when he left the shop he walked off past the chip shop but we do not know where he went after this."

Any information about the offender can be passed on to Whitefield CID on 856 8240 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.