MANCHESTER - Police are searching for two men who robbed Hannoush Jewelers at gunpoint on Monday afternoon.

Police responded to the armed robbery at 950 S. Willow Street about 1:15 p.m. The manager told police that after the two men entered the store, one brandished a handgun and announced they were there to rob.

The man with the gun demanded jewelry and cash while his accomplice tried to secure the other employee with flex cuffs. Unable to place the cuffs on the employee, he instead ordered him to open the jewelry cases, according to police.

The manager was spotted pressing a button to trigger an alarm and was pistol-whipped by one of the robbers. The manager was not seriously injured by the glancing blow.

As the thieves left the store, they encountered a customer entering. They ordered the woman to the floor at gunpoint and ran out the door in a northerly direction with jewelry and an undisclosed amount of cash in a light colored cloth bag.

The first robber is described as a black male, about 5 feet, 11 inches, with an average build. He was last seen wearing a black ski mask and a dark colored pea coat. He was armed with a handgun.

The second robber also was a black male, about six feet tall and wearing a lighter color jacket. He was not wearing a mask.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Manchester police at 668-8711. Anonymous tips for cash rewards can be made through Manchester Crimeline at 624-4040 or online at manchestercrimeline.org.