Security has been stepped up at a Leigh food store after knife-wielding thugs threatened staff before fleeing with £800 in cash.

Robbery: Robert Byford outside his store where raiders stole £800 Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL U98GY1

Three masked raiders walked into the Byfords Food Hall, in Eastwood Old Road, Leigh, shortly before 8.30pm on Saturday and brandished a large knife.

She was forced to open a till and about £800 was stolen. They also stole cigarettes from the store before fleeing.

Byfords director, Robert Byford, said: "I wasn't there at the time but for the person on the till it was very frightening."

Witnesses should call Det Con Phil Smith at Southend CID on 01702 431212.

Published Monday December 15, 2003

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