A WOMAN was threatened with a pick axe after three masked men stormed into a Knutsford fashion store.

Sue Robinson, a sales assistant at Runway in King Street, was left shaken but uninjured during the robbery at 5.40pm on Thursday.

One of the men forced her into the back office and threatened her with a pick axe while the other two criminals, one of which was wielding a hammer, emptied the till.

They also stole Ms Robinson's £1,400 GC Diver Chic Diamond Set watch and iPhone 4S before fleeing with the cash.

The first man is described as white, average build and height, with a scar or mark on the left side of his top lip.

He also had yellow teeth. He was wearing a black ski mask with two eyeholes and a mouth hole, a black fleece with red stitching on the upper right hand side and black gloves.

He is believed to have had a Manchester accent.

He was carrying a small pick axe which looked new and had a black handle.

The second man had the same type of ski mask and a black fleece, but without any red stitches. He was stockier than the first and was carrying a silver colour hammer or mallet.

The third man had the same build as the first culprit. He was also wearing a ski mask and a black fleece.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Det Con Andy Harwood said: "Thankfully the victim wasn′t injured during her ordeal but she was left shaken.

"We would appeal for anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area at the time, to contact police.

"Also, if anyone is offered for sale a watch matching this description I would ask that they contact us."

Anyone with information can contact Det Con Harwood on 101 quoting incident number 740 of February 7.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously on 0800 555 111.