A GUNMAN threatened a shop assistant and a customer before stealing cigarettes and phone

cards from a Bickershaw off-licence.

Police are appealing for information about the breakfast time armed robbery.

Two men -- one carrying a small, black handgun entered Pyes off-licence on Bickershaw Lane. They threatened the female assistant and a male customer stole the cigarettes and cards and left the shop.

Both are described as white, aged about 17. The gunman had a dirty face and wore a bomber-style jacket with a cream hat pulled over his face.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leigh CID on 0161 856 7252.