A BRAVE late-night shopper ripped a balaclava from the face of a store raider.

Three youths burst into a Spa late shop in Borsdane Avenue weilding iron bars and a sawn-off, four-pronged washing line post. They escaped in a stolen red J reg. Mazda, driven by a fourth member of the gang and later found abandoned in Browning Street, Westleigh.

Several shoppers, including a child, were terrified by the raiders who smashed their way into a till before taking cash and cigarettes.

Det Ch Insp Mike Whiting, head of Leigh CID, said the raid was "very nasty".

"We now want anyone who saw the four raiders to get in touch. They were all wearing dark clothing.

"The last raider to leave the store had his face masked ripped off by a shopper and he was probably 16-17 years old. From the CCTv recording from the shop it would appear they were all of the same age range," added Mr Whiting.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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