ARMED robbers wielding a hammer threatened staff at a betting shop and made off with cash.

Police were called to a Betfred shop in Market Street, Farnworth, at around 11.30am on Sunday, June 23, after the group entered the store and demanded money.

The raiders then fled the scene in a grey Vauxhall Astra.

However, the car was spotted by officers from GMP's traffic division shortly after and a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, robbery and burglary after a chase.

Another three people fled into a nearby woodland to escape police.

"Offenders entered the premises and made threats to staff with a hammer before leaving with a quantity of cash in a grey Vauxhall Astra," a spokesman for GMP said.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

Traffic officers first spotted the Astra in Smiths Road after being called to the robbery.

They followed the car and the driver fled before losing control and crashing into some fencing.

The vehicle then became wedged between the roadside and a ditch and the officers were able to detain the driver, although the passengers escaped.

After checking the vehicle, officers reported that the Astra had been stolen in a previous burglary.

Anyone with further information on the robbery should contact police on 101 or use the Live Chat feature on www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555111.