TWO female cashiers were subjected to a terrifying ordeal when armed robbers raided a service station in Ramsbottom.

Three masked men burst into the Esso garage shop in Stubbins Lane shortly before 10pm on Thursday brandishing weapons including a machete and a monkey wrench.

They switched off the lights in the shop and bundled the women into a back room before stealing cash from the tills and making off in a black Audi.

The women were left shocked bur unhurt.

Police believe the raid may be linked to an earlier armed robbery on a shop in Mile Lane, Bury and one in Bolton Road, Bury the week before.

Two of the three men who raided the garage were described as between 5ft 5ins and 5ft 7ins and the third between 5ft 9ins and 5ft 11ins. All were slim build.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "The investigation is still in its early stages, but we cannot rule out the possibility that the robberies were linked.

"We would appeal for any witnesses or anyone with information to call us on 0161 8568150 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."