Police are appealing for information on two armed robberies at a c-store in Greater Manchester, one of which was thwarted by a “brave” intervention by a member of staff.

The incidents happened at the Mellalieu Food & Wines store on Higher Wood Road in the town of Middleton at around 7pm on 3 February and 8.15pm on 5 February.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “A man entered the shop brandishing a suspected gun on both occasions. He threatened staff members and demanded money from the till.

“On Sunday, the offender fled on foot with a quantity of stolen cash. On Tuesday, the robber fled empty handed after being told there was no money in the till by a brave member of staff. Thankfully no-one was injured during the robbery, but the victims were left understandably shaken.”

The offender is described as white, approximately 6ft tall and of slim build. On both occasions he was wearing a face covering with a navy blue jacket and blue jogging bottoms.

The incident followed a number of recent armed robberies across the UK.

Anyone with information about the robberies should call police on 0161 856 8635 quoting incident number 2138 of 05/02/19. Details can also be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.