Police are hunting for an armed robber who held up terrified shop workers with a machete.
Dozens of police are currently reassuring shaken staff at the Co-Op on Walker Street, Hoole after an armed man entered the store and demanded cash.
A large scale manhunt has been launched, with the force helicopter searching the area while members of CID and uniformed officers search the area nearby for the robber.
Residents living close to the scene came to out onto the street to express concern for the staff at the popular shop, as police cars filled the street and officers with a police dog searched the car park and surrounding alleyways for evidence.
Officers are currently guarding the door to the shop, while forensics gather evidence inside. Police at the scene confirmed no one was hurt in the incident.
Spokesperson for Cheshire Police, Rachel Hayes, said: “At 1.09pm today (Tuesday, October 15), police received a report of an armed robbery at a shop in Walker Street in Hoole.
“A man entered the Co-Op with a machete and demanded money. He then made off with an unknown amount of cash.
“Police are currently making an extensive search of the area. The police helicopter is also in attendance.”
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I just hope everyone is OK.
“They are a really nice family that work there. It is not very nice.”
Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 377 of October 15 2013.
Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.