TWO chip shop owners stood firm when they were confronted by an armed robber.

In separate incidents, the men refused to open the tills when the offender burst into the takeaways shortly before midnight on Sunday.

Despite being armed with a handgun, the robber fled empty handed.

Detectives are now appealing for information about the two attempted robberies in Radcliffe and Prestwich.

The first incident took place at 11.25pm when the robber walked into a takeaway on Church Street in Radcliffe. He approached the counter and pointed a gun at the 48-year-old owner and demanded money from the till. The victim refused stating that he did not have any money and the offender ran from the shop.

Just over half-an-hour later, at 11.57pm, the same man walked into a chip shop in Milton Road, Prestwich. The offender pointed a gun at the owner, a 44-year-old man, and demanded money. Again the victim refused and the offender fled. He was seen getting into a waiting dark coloured car which sped off towards Heywood Road.

PC Pat Hooper, of Bury Police, said: "This man is described as being white, aged 20 to 25, about 5ft 7 inches tall, wearing a blue hooded top which covered most of his face.

"Fortunately he did not manage to get any money but he did leave those he had threatened in shock after they were faced with a gun.

"We are asking if anyone has any information regarding this man or the car he was seen to get into to contact us on 0161 856 8150 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."