Shopkeeper's gun terror

GMP logo

A terrified shopkeeper and his 17-year old daughter had a handgun held to their heads during an armed robbery at his Lower Tweedale Street shop on Monday night (23 February).

Shortly after 9pm four or five men went to Ask Manufacturing and barged past the owner into the shop.

They grabbed the 53-year old owner by the throat and held a handgun to his head.

Another offender brandished a pair of scissors and the robber with the gun held the weapon to the head of the victim's daughter.

The robbers stole money and a mobile phone before fleeing.

It is thought they got into a large, dark coloured 4x4 and a light coloured Volkswagen hatchback, which were parked at the side of the shop on Ann Street.

The offender carrying the gun is described as being black or of mixed race, in his mid 20s, 6ft tall, of slim build, with stubble around the bottom of his face and small eyes compared to the size of his face. He was wearing a dark coloured waist-length jacket and a black cap.

The man carrying the scissors was Asian, in his mid 20s, 5ft 9in tall and of slim build, with stubble and short hair. He was wearing a woolly grey hat.

The third man was black, in his mid 20s, at least 6ft tall, of skinny build and wearing a navy blue hooded top with the hood up. The fourth offender was also black.

Detective Constable Nick Price, of Rochdale CID, said: "This was a shocking and terrifying incident.

"Fortunately nobody was injured in this attack, but the family have all been left extremely shaken by this ordeal.

"The people who did this are obviously dangerous and need to be caught. If anyone has any information as to whom may be responsible, please call us."

Anyone with information should call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 1977 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.