Appeal after men burst through roof of Post Office

Detectives in Rochdale are appealing for information after masked men armed with a knife burst through the roof of a post office and stole cash.

The incident happened at the Higher Tonge Post Office on Oldham Road, Middleton at approximately 4.30pm on Wednesday 8 March 2006.

Detectives believe that at least two masked men forced entry to an empty flat above the shop. They then broke through the floor of the flat and dropped through the roof of the premises below.

The men landed directly on top of a member of staff, who was working in the secure area of the post office. She was threatened with a knife and the men stole money from the safe.

Officers think the two men may have passed some of the money through the roof to another person or people in the flat above.

The two offenders left the post office through the main shop area and threatened two other members of staff.

While the offenders were on Elm Street, a security device released red dye onto the money. The offenders dropped some of the cash but still escaped with a substantial quantity of cash.

The men are thought to have left the scene in a silver car. A similar vehicle was later recovered by police and is currently being examined.

No firearms or other weapons were seen. The woman employee was left extremely shaken and suffered some minor injuries due to the men dropping on top of her.

Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who is given English bank notes covered in red dye or sees someone with stained cash. The dye would probably have got onto the offenders' clothing and skin.

The two men who went into the shop were both wearing balaclavas and black clothing. One of the men is thought to have been white.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact CID at Rochdale on 0161 856 8581 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Post Office Ltd is offering a reward up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this incident.