DETECTIVES leading the hunt for armed robbers who tied up the father of celebrity chef Andrew Nutter and one of his chefs in an early morning raid today appealed for witnesses.

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.

Detective Inspector Daryl Chadwick, from Rochdale CID, said: "Our inquiries are continuing. We are keen to trace the individuals responsible for this and I would appeal to anyone with information who hasn't yet been in contact to get in touch 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.

Contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8552 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .