Shopkeeper injured by machete-wielding thieves

A shopkeeper struggled with a gang of thieves armed with a machete during a robbery in Middleton on Saturday evening (21 February).

The shopkeeper suffered a minor injury to his left hand after three men tried to make away with the till at the Spar store on Bowness Road and the shopkeeper tried to stop them.

The offenders then fled with the till and dropped the machete outside the shop.

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

The thief carrying the machete was wearing a grey snowboarding hat with a snowflake design and tassles. He is described as white, of skinny build, late teens to early 20s and about 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a dark coloured hooded top.

The second man is described as medium build, 16 to 18 years, 5ft tall and wearing a light coloured hooded top.

The third man was wearing a black coat.

Detective Constable Janice Cruttwell, from Rochdale CID, said: "The shopkeeper was left very shaken up after his ordeal. He is lucky he did not suffer more serious injuries as, when a machete is involved, there is clearly the potential for someone to sustain severe injuries.

"The gang we are looking for are obviously very dangerous and we are doing everything we can to catch them.

"I would appeal to anyone who may remember seeing people wearing these hats in the vicinity at about the time of the robbery to come forward."

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