Witness appeal following armed robbery in Middleton

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following reports of an armed robbery in Middleton.

At approximately 3.40pm, Wednesday 21 December 2005, police received reports of the robbery at Middleton Gardens in Middleton town centre.

Two men, wearing ski masks, drove a silver or grey Vauxhall Astra towards a Securicor guard. The guard dropped a cash box he had been carrying and ran away from the scene.  

The offenders picked up the cash box and drove off towards Stake Hill.

The Securicor guard suffered minor injuries to his shoulder and leg and attended North Manchester Hospital for treatment.

A few minutes later, at approximately 3.45pm, police received a report of a grey Vauxhall Astra, which had been abandoned on Peach Bank in Middleton.  

Two men were seen to get out of the car and run over a footbridge towards a wooded area.

It is believed the men were carrying a light-coloured bin, which appeared to be heavy.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anybody who has any information or who witnessed the men abandoning the car on Peach Bank and running across the footbridge.

Anybody who has any information about this incident is asked to contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8581 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.