Police are hunting robbers who bashed their way into a Prestwich travel agents 10 minutes before it was due to open for business.

At about 9.50am on Saturday August 29, two masked robbers parked their stolen silver Renault Megane round the back of Thomas Cook, at the Longfield Centre, on Bury New Road.

They walked round to the front and forced open the front door, which was on the latch, and threatened the three members of staff with a stick.

They then stole a quantity of English and foreign currency and left via the back door.

After driving off in the Megane they abandoned the car soon after in The Crescent, Prestwich.

They then got into a second car, which police are now trying to trace.

No customers were in the shop at the time but staff were left distressed by what happened.

The robbers wore dark clothing and balaclavas.

Detective constable Dave Looby, of Bury CID, said: "Even though the travel agents wasn't open, there would have been shoppers around at the time who could have seen something.

"I now want to hear from anyone who saw them drive off or from anyone who saw them get into a second car.

"I also want people to call us if they are offered foreign currency in suspicious circumstances."

Anyone with information is asked to call Bury CID on 0161 856 8150 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.