Appeal for witnesses - armed robbery in Middleton

Detectives are appealing for information after staff were threatened with knives during an armed robbery at a Tesco store in Middleton.

At approximately 9.20pm on Wednesday 31 October 2007 four masked offenders entered Tesco on Kirkway in Middleton and threatened staff with knives before leaving with cash from the tills.

The offenders are said to have been wearing dark clothing and masks, armed with a machete and other small knives. It is believed they left in two vehicles, one a light coloured hatchback, at approximately 9.30pm and were last seen driving down Mainway towards Manchester New Road.

A security guard was slightly injured during the robbery, but didn't require medical attention, and other staff members were left shaken.

Detective Constable Nick Price of Middleton Police says 'The men involved in this robbery have clearly come prepared to use violence to get what they wanted and have left all the staff traumatised by the ordeal. I would ask anybody present during the robbery or anyone with information regarding this incident to contact police and help us catch the people responsible.'

Anyone with any information is asked to contact D.C. 15368 Nick Price on 0161 856 1977 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.