Middleton armed robbers escape empty handed

Two armed men threatened staff with a machete but escaped with nothing during an attempted robbery in Middleton.

The offenders went into William Hill bookmakers on Wood Street on Monday evening (20 October) and threatened the two staff members inside.

The victims managed to lock themselves in the back room of the shop and call the police.

There were no customers in the shop at the time and the men were unable to get access to the tills.

They left the shop and got into a dark coloured saloon car parked at the back of the bookmakers and drove off towards the Langley estate.

No one was injured but the two members of staff were left extremely shaken.

One of the offenders is described as 6ft tall, of medium build, and was wearing a black stocking over his head and a dark coat.

The second offender is described as 5ft 10in to 5ft 11in tall of small to medium build. He was wearing black clothing and had his face covered.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the robbery, particularly a man who was seen to go to the ATM at Lloyds TSB next door to William Hill at the time. He was driving a black or dark coloured hatchback similar to a Toyota Yaris or Auris.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 1977 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.