The gang of three are then understood to have made off with a “significant” amount of foreign currency, the Manchester Evening News said.

The three masked men raided the Co-operative Travel branch in Merseyway shopping centre, central Stockport last Friday, at around 5.15pm.

One is reported to have been carrying a machete, with the gang threatening members of the public and staff, forcing them to lie down as they demanded the cash.

Police are now appealing for witnesses, and have described the gang as wearing dark clothes and balaclavas, and sporting local accents.

A police spokesman said: “We received a call at 5.15pm on Friday and responded to reports that men had entered the Co-op travel agency with a machete.

“They threatened members of the public and staff and were seen getting into a silver Alfa Romeo,” the Manchester Evening News reported.

Nobody was injured in the robbery. Police did not confirm the amount of currency stolen, but described it as ‘significant’.

There have been no arrests yet in connection with the incident.