Manchester shop worker threatened with gun after refusing to sell discount beer

After being told the police are on their way the man decides he doesn't want one of the beers, pays for the other and puts the change in a charity box

The moment the man pulls out the gun and threatens the shop keeper

Police are appealing for information following a "frankly bizarre" incident where a shop keeper was threatened at gunpoint for refusing to sell a beer for a pound less than the retail price.

In CCTV released by Greater Manchester Police, a man can be seen entering a One Stop Store on Stretford, Trafford at 9.40am on January and picking up two bottles of beer.

After walking to the counter with the drinks, he then allegedly asks the shop assistant to knock a pound off one of the beers. When she refuses, he can be seen producing a gun from his waistband and cocking the weapon at her.

Police say the shop assistant then tells the man authorities were on the way to which he replies "I don’t want that" and pays for one of the bottles. He places the change in a charity box and walks out.

Detective Constable Andy Warren said: “This was, quite frankly, a bizarre robbery the likes of which I have never come across before. Quite what the offender was thinking I do not know but his actions were extremely strange.

“However, I want to be absolutely clear that while some might find his behaviour odd, this is no laughing matter.

“He pulled out a gun and cocked it in an intimidating manner in front of a shop worker who had no idea what he was going to do and whether he would genuinely fire the weapon. For her it was a terrifying experience and we therefore need to catch this man before he tries anything like this again.

“We have released a CCTV still of the man and I would appeal to anyone who recognises this man to come forward."

Anyone who may have information on the incident is urged to contact crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.