TWO customers were caught up in an armed raid at a Prestwich off-licence.

Now, detectives want the help of one of the customers and a number of people who were at a bus stop opposite the Bargain Booze in Bury New Road at the time of the robbery.

The armed raid was the second at the off-licence this year. Last month, a 28-year-old male assistant had a gun held against his cheek as two thugs grabbed cash.

In the latest incident two customers, a man and woman together with staff, were held up at gunpoint as two raiders stole an unknown quantity of cash from a safe and till.

Detectives say the robbers, one of whom was armed with a small handgun, entered the off-licence shortly before 6.30pm on Thursday (Feb 15).

After threatening the staff, they stole the cash and sprinted from the premises. It is not known whether they made off on foot or by car.

Detectives have appealed to the woman customer who was in Bargain Booze, but who left before officers arrived, to come forward.

They feel she might have vital evidence to help them in their inquiries. Officers also want to speak to four or five people who were at a bus stop opposite the off-licence at the time of the robbery.

The gunman wore a balaclava and dark clothing. His accomplice had a round face and is described as chubby, aged between 25 and 30 with a black moustache. He wore a jacket with the hood pulled up.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Bury's operational police unit on either 856 8149 or 856 8157.