A SHOP assistant was forced to empty a safe by a man with a machete, who had claimed he was being attacked.

Police are appealing for witnesses to Tuesday night's robbery at the United Norwest Co-operative Late Shop store, in Manchester Road, Blackmoor, in which a small amount of cash and phone cards were taken.

A United Norwest spokesman said: "A young man entered the store. He said he was about to be attacked outside.

"He asked one of the assistants if she would phone the police. She went into the back of the store and he followed her. He produced a machete knife and forced her to open the safe where change is kept, from which he stole cash and phone cards."

The spokesman said the assistant was very distressed but uninjured.

A police spokesman said the man is believed to have left in a silver saloon car parked nearby.

Police describe the man as white, about 25, 5ft 9in and of medium build. He was wearing a red baseball cap, a hooded top and dark trousers. He is said to have a distinctive cut on his chin.

Anyone who has information should contact DC Lever on 0161 856 7352, or ring Crimestoppers.