[A]rmed thieves have assaulted a shop worker during a robbery in Stalybridge.
Shortly after 9.15pm on Wednesday 18 October 2017, police were called to reports of an armed robbery at N&N Newsagents on Ridge Hill Lane.
Two masked men armed with wrenches entered the store and dragged the man to the rear of the shop where they assaulted him.
A third masked thief entered the store and stole a large amount of cigarettes and cash which he placed in to a football-patterned duvet cover which he hung around his neck.
The men proceeded to threaten two members of the public with their weapons before fleeing in a grey Toyota Aventis driven by a fourth offender which was later recovered on Cambridge Street, Stalybridge.
The car had been burnt which also caused damage to two vehicles belonging to members of the community.
The victim was treated by paramedics for his injuries.
Police have released CCTV footage of the incident and are appealing for anyone who may have any information.
Detective Constable Jo Lockett of GMP’s Tameside borough, said: “This was a shocking attack that has left the victim, shop owners and members of the community extremely shaken.
“We are doing all we can to catch the men responsible and have released the CCTV footage in the hope that someone might remember seeing something that can assist our investigation.
“If you remember seeing anything in the area at the time of the robbery, or have any information about it that could help our investigation then please contact police so that we can bring the men to justice.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 9270 or GMP on 101, quoting incident number 2323 of 18/10/17 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
