The father of celebrity chef Andrew Nutter and one of his chefs were tied up during a terrifying armed robbery at his restaurant.

Detectives said four men wearing balaclavas burst through the roof of Nutters restaurant in Edenfield which is run by Rodney Nutter, father of the TV chef at 3.10am on Saturday.

The robbers punched a 24-year-old chef in the face before threatening him with a knife and a gun.

They forced him towards another room inside the exclusive Edenfield Road venue and then grabbed Rodney Nutter, 65.

Both men were tied up while the robbers searched the premises.

They stole a quantity of cash, mobile phones and keys to a car.

They then tried to leave in a stolen Jaguar XK8, but abandoned the car at the scene.

Mr Nutter's arms were bruised, while the chef suffered head and neck injuries.

Today police appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Inspector Daryl Chadwick, from Rochdale CID, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the two men involved.

"Although they suffered fairly minor physical injuries, they were left extremely shaken. We are keen to trace the individuals responsible for this and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us immediately."

The robbers were white, aged in their late 20s to 30s and were wearing balaclavas.

Three spoke with Liverpool accents and the fourth had a northern accent.

Anyone with any information should contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8552 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.