A GUN was fired during an armed robbery at a Prestwich pub in which customers were forced to hand over property.

Detectives are hunting the gang of four or five men who raided the Plough pub on Rainsough Brow at 11.20pm on Sunday.

The thugs, armed with a firearm and knife, stole cash from the till and items from the customers. The gun was discharged during the robbery.

A 50-year-old man was struck on the head with the handle of the weapon and was treated at Hope Hospital for minor injuries.

The raiders made off in a brown Honda car, later found abandoned in Pendleton.

Police say the gang members all wore balaclavas.