Appeal following armed robbery - Middleton

Detectives in Rochdale are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery at a bank in Middleton on Thursday 23 January 2006.

At approximately 4.25pm a silver Mercedes with four men inside was seen parking in a disabled bay close to the NatWest bank on Long Street.

As staff were closing the doors at 4.30pm three men wearing hoods and dark coloured clothing jumped out of the car and forced their way into the bank.

They threatened staff and a few remaining customers with a machete, a sledge hammer and what was believed to be a handgun, before forcing their way into the cashier area. They then stole a quantity of cash and ran out of the bank.

The men left the scene the stolen silver Mercedes, driven by the fourth man. The Mercedes had been stolen from an address in Cheetham Hill on 28 January 2006.

The car was last seen driving along Wood Lane towards the Asherton Arms pub The first man is described as white, approximately 25 years old, 6' tall and of slim build. He was wearing a blue and white hat with a white ring around it, a black jacket and trousers.

The driver is described as a white man, approximately 30 years old with an unshaven face. He was wearing a black hat and a black top.

Anyone with any further information on this incident is asked to contact Rochdale Robbery Unit on 0161 856 4688 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.