VICIOUS thugs are terrorising the area.

On Monday evening three masked thugs robbed a female steward at Golborne Working Men's Club.

And that followed a Friday attack by pickaxe-wielding hoodlums at a shop in Tyldesley.

Detectives are urgently seeking help to track the thugs involved in the Golborne incident around 7.15pm.

The steward was tidying up the club ready for opening when she was confronted by a male about five feet two inches tall wearing a balaclava mask, dark clothing and carrying a handgun and knife.

He ordered her to hand over a red box in which was normally kept the club's games jackpot. But it was empty. The man was then joined by two six-foot companions, also masked, carrying spanners and a crowbar.

They demanded the steward, who had not been named as The Journal went to press, open a safe and they made off with a substantial amount of cash.

Det Chief Insp Mike Whiting of Leigh CID said: "This lady was absolutely terrified and in total shock. I am appealing for anyone who can help identify these criminals to contact us as quickly as possible.

"The fact that the smaller man knew about the red box suggests it is someone with inside knowledge of what goes on in the club and this may help us track him and his companions down quicker.

"But we would appreciate any help from club members or from the public who may have seen them entering or leaving the premises."

Detectives are also appealing for the public's help to track down the gang involved in the Tyldesley incident.

The masked hoodlums are also believed to be responsible for two other attacks on businesses in Walkden and Farnworth on the same day.

Three men, wearing balaclava masks, threatened shopkeepers with pickaxe handles and a golf club at all three stores before grabbing the till and making their getaway.

Police are studying video recordings to try to identify the crooks and are appealing for witnesses to come forward in confidence.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111 or Leigh Police on 0161 856 7251.

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