A robber armed with a shotgun escaped with cash from an estate agents on Tuesday morning.

The balaclava-clad crook threatened staff at Venmore Thomas and Jones estate agents on High Street, Newton-le-Willows, at about 11.30am before leaving with money.

The robber is described as white, 5ft tall, in his late 40s to early 50s with a very slim build. He spoke with a broad West Country accent, but detectives are not sure this was genuine.

CCTV footage is being studied, though police suspect the man headed along the High Street and turned onto Robb Lane as he escaped.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.