Officers have released CCTV footage of a man who walked into a Salford bookmakers with a gun fled empty-handed after staff raised the alarm.

At about 6pm on Saturday 26 January 2013, the man walked into William Hill on Liverpool Street in the Seedley area.

Staff noticed that he was carrying a gun, so went into the back office, from where they called the police.

The man put a drawstring bag on the counter, and then left, getting into a nearby car.

He is described as being a white man in his mid 20s, between 5ft 3in and 5ft 4in tall, of slim build, wearing a black hooded top, black jogging bottoms and gloves.

Detective Constable Richard Hudd, said: "I would urge you to take a close look at the CCTV footage release, do you recognise the offender.

"We believe that he left the shop after he suspected that the alarm had been raised.

"While no threats were made to staff, they are badly shaken and the person responsible needs to be caught.

"We are appealing for any witnesses to come forward and speak to us, did you witness the incident or see a man matching this description getting in to a nearby car?

"However insignificant you think your information may be, it could actually be vital to our investigation."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5345 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.