A FIREWORKS company boss was stabbed repeatedly in the stomach and an employee knifed in the face during a vicious attempted robbery.

Five masked men burst into the Dumers Lane premises of United Fireworks, in Radcliffe, demanding cash.

They were carrying a variety of weapons including a handgun, a monkey wrench and a knife.

United Fireworks boss Mr Howard Garman is recovering at home as a result of his injuries. He was released from Bury General Hospital after being kept in overnight following Friday's incident.

A staff member at the Bealey Industrial Estate-based wholesalers, Mr Simon Davies, was allowed home after treatment to a facial injury.

The raid happened at 4.20pm when the masked men demanded cash. A violent struggled followed in which Mr Garman (45), from Prestwich, was stabbed several times in the stomach. Mr Davies sustained a slash wound beneath his eye.

The gang fled empty-handed in a silver Subaru Impreza.

The factory was cordoned off while forensic teams searched the area. No-one has been arrested in connection with the stabbings and police have launched an appeal for any witnesses to come forward. The Subaru is still missing.

Anyone who can help police with their inquiries should contact Detective Sergeant Graham Barker at Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8248. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.