A ROBBER threatened to shoot a shop owner with a gun during a raid on an off licence.

The hooded man burst into Eastwood Off Licence, in Rayleigh Road, and showed a black handgun he had in his pocket.

The 38-year-old owner, who is from Leigh, handed over a three figure sum of cash from the till.

A second robber then leant over the counter and grabbed three packets of cigarettes before fleeing the store.

The shop owner, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said the robber had threatened to shoot him if he didn’t hand over the cash.

He said: “He showed me the gun and said ‘I’ve got a gun I’m going to shoot you if you don’t give me the money’.

“The best option I had in my mind was to hand over the money.”

The robbery happened at the off licence near the Oakwood Pub, Eastwood, at about 7pm on Sunday.

The pair were seen running off in the direction of Eastwood Rise.

The shop owner said although he was very shaken he had re-opened the store yesterday.

He said: “I had to open the shop. We lost business on Sunday as well because I was advised by the police to close straight away so they could fingerprint.

“We had to open. Even if you get more problems what else can you do? You’ve got your overheads to pay.

“These people don’t understand. They are only after money.”

The robber with the gun was white, aged between 17 and 24, and 5ft 9ins tall.

He was wearing a grey hooded top, a black hooded top over it and a blue T shirt with dark blue jeans. He also had dark gloves with a logo on the back and a black scarf.

The second robber was about 18 to 20 years old and 5ft 7ins tall. He had light brown short hair and was wearing blue trainers with white stripes. He had baggy blue jeans, a hooded top, and a scarf. He was carrying a white rucksack. Call police on 0300 3334444.