Elderly shopkeeper robbed at knifepoint

An elderly shopkeeper had a knife held to his throat during a robbery in Middleton last month.

At 2pm on Thursday 29 January the robber went into the shop on Bowness Road having loitered outside for about an hour.

He went up to the 77-year-old shopkeeper, held a large knife to his throat and demanded money from the till.

The offender grabbed a sum of cash, stole cigarettes from behind the counter and ran off.

The shopkeeper was not injured during the robbery but was left extremely shaken.

The robber is described as a white man, aged in his late 20s, 5ft 4in to 5ft 7in tall, of slim build. He was wearing a red hooded top, blue t-shirt and blue jeans and was carrying a large kitchen knife.

Detective Constable Danny Waywell, of Rochdale CID, said: "The victim is one of the older members of our community, a man who takes a hand in running his family's business and someone we should treat with respect.

"Yet this robber had blatant disregard for this man's age, safety and his livelihood and must be caught.

"I would urge anyone who recognises the offender to contact me."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4644 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.