Four men armed with knives raided a designer clothes shop in Allerton.
The incident took place at Maze Clothing at around 5.15pm on Saturday as the thieves escaped with cash and designer clothing after theatening staff.
All four were wearing ski masks and balaclavas, and escaped with the cash and designer clothing and were seen to get into a white transit van driven by a fifth person.
The van was driven off along Allerton Road towards the Tesco store.
A white transit van was found abandoned and on fire just after 5.30pm on Green Lane, near to Dudlow Lane and police are trying to ascertain if this was the van used in the robbery.
Detective Inspector Steve McGrath, said: “This was a very frightening incident for the staff who were working in the store at the time.
“Thankfully they weren’t injured during the incident, but they were extremely distressed.
“I would like to reassure people who live locally that we are doing everything we can to arrest those responsible.
“I would appeal to anyone who saw anything which may help our inquiries to get in contact with us as soon as possible.
“I am particularly interested in talking to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who saw the white van being abandoned as information they have could be vital to our inquiries.
“I would also like to appeal to members of the public who may be offered designer clothing over the coming days or weeks to think twice about buying it as it could be stolen.
“If you are offered discount designer clothing please contact detectives.”
Anyone with information can contact detectives on 0151 777 4065 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.