Middleton car at scene of knifepoint robbery

A car which was stolen from the Middleton area on Tuesday 20 January may have been used as a getaway car during a terrifying knifepoint robbery in Stretford.

It is believed the robbers may have escaped in the silver S40 Volvo which was later found abandoned in Ashton-on-Mersey.

At about 9.30pm on 22 January 2009, three masked offenders to smash their way into a couple's home in Stretford.

One of the offenders was brandishing a six-inch knife and threatened the couple and their lodger, before ransacking the house.

A struggle ensued and the lodger, a 30-year-old man, was assaulted and suffered a head injury.

The thieves stole a significant amount of jewellery and personal items and fled.

The two main offenders are described as white, between 5ft 9in and 5ft 10in tall, in their early 20s and wearing dark clothing. Both spoke with a Manchester accent.

Detective Constable Aidan Kennedy, from Stretford CID, said: "The victims went through a terrifying ordeal and have been left traumatised by a group of men who had the audacity to rob them in their own home.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information about the callous culprits or who saw the silver Volvo being driven erratically in the area at about the time of the incident to come forward.

"All lines of inquiry are being pursued to bring the offenders to justice."

Anyone with information is asked to call Stretford CID on 0161 856 7674 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.