Potentially lethal drugs stolen from Heywood pharmacy

Potentially lethal drugs were stolen from a pharmacy in Heywood two thieves went into the Internet Pharmacy on Manchester Road and demanded staff open a locked drugs cabinet.

The men entered the store at about 5.30pm on Wednesday 28 January, and forced staff to get on the floor. They demanded money and one of the members of staff, fearing they were about to be hurt, opened the drugs cabinet.

Among the items stolen was a 120ml bottle of morphine-based liquid labelled 'Oramorph concentrated oral solution' and Fentanyl patches.

One of the offenders also stole a mobile phone and pushed a member of staff towards the counter as she tried to get it back.

The thieves then fled towards Walton Street.

The first offender is described as white, about 6ft 1in tall, of medium build, 20 to 30 years old with dark eyes. He was wearing a baseball cap, a black scarf, a black hooded top and trousers. His accomplice was also white, about 5ft 10in tall, of stocky build and wearing a black hooded top and dark trousers.

Police are appealing to anyone who has information about the robbery to come forward.

Detective Inspector Stephen Earnshaw, from Rochdale CID, said: "The drugs that were stolen are very dangerous and could be potentially fatal if abused.

"I would appeal to anyone who comes into contact with these drugs to contact police immediately.

"It may also be the thief does not realise what they have stolen, so I would urge them to hand the drugs in."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.