A MASKED robber burst in through the front door of a Tytherington petrol station in the early hours of Monday morning, vaulted over the counter and threatened a lone member of staff with a 2ft baseball bat.

The assistant managed to lock himself behind a security door and was unhurt in the raid at the Shell garage on Manchester Road. No customers were in at the time.

Detectives are now hunting the raider whose identity was hidden under a balaclava and the hood of a jacket. He fled empty-handed and on foot after the incident at 2.05am on Monday, September 25. They are appealing for witnesses.

Detective Sergeant Rob Balfour, leading the investigation, said: "These are clearly the actions of a desperate individual who is prepared to arm himself with a weapon and confront law-abiding members of the public for his own personal gain."

The robber is described as white, about 5ft 6in tall and with a slim build. He was wearing a blue balaclava and a blue nylon jacket with the hood up.

A Shell spokesman , who said they were investigating, could not explain why the shop door was open at the time and was unable to comment up to going to press.

  • IF you were in the area and saw any suspicious activity or if you witnessed the crime call DS Balfour on 0845 4580000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.