AN armed robber left empty handed after threatening a terrified off-licence cashier.

The bearded man burst into the Bottle and Basket off-licence in Leigh at 10.10pm last Friday, carrying a cylindrical object, wrapped in a yellow carrier bag.

But the shop assistant refused to co-operate when the man ordered her to hand over the cash.

Eventually, the foiled robber ran out of the Thirlmere Street shop empty handed. The victim was left shaken but unharmed.

Police described the man as white, aged about 30, 5ft 8in tall, with blond hair and a full beard. He was wearing a blue bob hat, dark-three-quarter-length zip-up jacket, dark trousers, white training shoes and sunglasses.

Anyone with information should call Leigh CID on 0161 856 7352 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.