POLICE are hunting two men who stole the Mayor of Bury's ceremonial chains during a violent robbery in Radcliffe.

At around 10.15pm yesterday, the Mayor of Bury’s driver Jet Vyas was placing a briefcase containing the Mayor and Mayoress’ ceremonial gold chains into the boot of a car while parked in Stonemere Drive, near Stand Lane.

As he did so, a man in a balaclava approached him from behind and struck him on the shoulder with a hammer, before grabbing the briefcase from the boot.

Mr Vyas suffered muscle damage to his left shoulder and was treated at the scene before being taken to North Manchester General Hospital.

The offender then jumped into the passenger seat of a green-coloured VW Polo which was waiting nearby and drove off.

There was no description of the attacker, who was wearing a balaclava, though the driver of the car was a white man, aged between 30 and 40.

The Mayor, Cllr Michelle Wiseman, and Mayoress Danielle Wiseman were unharmed.

Superintendant Karan Lee, of Bury Police, said: "This is a robbery that hits at the very heart of our town in more ways than one.

"Our Mayoral party had just left a service commemorating the lives lost in World War One protecting the lifes and liberties of every one of us, to then be attacked in this way by persons who have no pride or respect.

"Although the gold and diamond chains are of significant historical and monetary value, having been given to the town of Bury by Queen Victoria, the scrap value will be significantly less than the loss to our heritage.

“I would appeal for anyone with any information that will help us to track down these men and retrieve the chains as soon as possible before any harm can come to them to contact us.

“These men were calculated and ruthless, waiting for the mayor and her driver to arrive at the scene before using extreme force to achieve their goal.

“It is only by good fortune that the victim was not seriously hurt.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen a green VW Polo in the area at the time of the offence to come forward with any information they have.

“It is likely that these men lay in wait for the opportunity to present itself, so there is a chance passers-by could have seen them waiting."

The Mayor and Mayoress had been in attendance at the Radcliffe festival of remembrance, a World War One commemoration event held at Radcliffe Civic Suite.

The Mayor is understood to have left the festival, which was also attended by cadets, members of the public and Deputy Mayor of Bury Cllr Sharon Briggs, at around 10pm last night.

Warrant Officer Barry Young,  the area coordinator for Radcliffe Air Cadets who helped organise the Radcliffe festival of remembrance, said: "I have been left speechless and shocked by this absolutely disgusting act.

"So many people turned up to support our event, but this has put a complete dampner on it.

"Whichever heartless person has done this will get what they deserve."

Ivan Lewis, MP for Bury South, said the attack was “cowardly and vicious”.

He added: “The Mayor is the first citizen of the Borough and any attack on her is an attack on all who live and work in Bury.

“This was a cowardly and vicious assault on two fine public servants.  Every effort must be made to apprehend those responsible and ensure they feel the full force of the law.”

Councillor Mike Connolly, Leader of Bury Council said: "Everyone connected to the borough of Bury and Bury Council will be appalled at this dreadful crime committed on our First Citizen and her Deputy as they were carrying out their civic duties.

"The chains are an irreplaceable part of our heritage and so we are offering a substantial reward for their safe return.

"Our thoughts are also very much with the mayor’s driver who was hurt during the robbery and we wish him a speedy recovery."

Sarah Dennis, a veteran's sweetheart singer who performed at the festival of remembrance, said: "I was talking to the Mayor and Mayoress after the event and they said how much they had enjoyed the evening.

"I am horrified to learn of their terrible ordeal."

Tony Lloyd, Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner, called the crime “despicable”. He added: “This is a despicable crime that hits at the very heart and soul of the town. 

“These individuals have no pride or respect and I’m sure the residents of Bury will, like me, be appalled at this crime.

“I’m assured that Greater Manchester Police are doing everything possible to track down those responsible and I appeal to anyone with information to come forward so these men can be brought to justice and the chains returned to where they belong.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the idependent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 55 111.