MASKED men used a samurai sword and hammer to steal cigarettes and cash during a terrifying convenience store robbery last weekend.

One of the robbers held the two-foot long sword to the shop workers face and verbally threatened her while his accomplice stole cigarettes from behind the counter of Cellar One in Cadishead.

The woman, who is in her 60s, was then forced to open the till.

After wrapping the cash drawer up in a blue duvet cover the duo fled the Lords Street store.

It is believed they may have made their escape in a silver Ford Focus parked in a nearby alleyway.

The woman suffered bruising to her knees from being forced to the floor and was left terrified by her ordeal which happened in broad daylight.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident which happened at 3.45pm on Saturday, June 21.

Detective Constable Horace Bell, of Salford CID, said: "This was a shocking incident and the victim was understandably very distressed.

"To have a sword held to your face must be a frightening experience.

"The offenders targeted this shop while the shopworker was alone and used extreme intimidation to get what they wanted.

"They are clearly two dangerous men and inquiries are underway to trace them.

"I would appeal for the public's help and ask that anyone who recognises these two men from the CCTV images, or has any information about what happened, to call us immediately."

The first robber is described as white, about 5ft 6in to 5ft 7in tall, in his late teens or early 20s and of medium build.

He was wearing a dark hooded jacket, dark tracksuit bottoms and dark gloves.

The second man was also white, about 5ft 4in tall and appeared to be younger than his accomplice.

He was of a slimmer build and wearing a grey hooded top and dark gloves.

Anyone with information can call Salford CID on 0161 856 5097 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.