Armed men smash taxi firm

A gang of armed men smashed up a taxi firm during a burglary in Heywood.

At about 10.25pm on Tuesday 26 February 2008, at least three men entered Britannia Cars on Cowburn Street armed with baseball bats.

One of the men, carrying a silver bat, threatened to harm the taxi base operator if she did not lie on the floor.

The gang then smashed up the premises with the bats.

The men fled and made their getaway in a car. They did not steal anything from the taxi rank.

The man who threatened the base operator was described as Asian, about 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall, about 35-years-old and was wearing a dark coloured tracksuit and dark coloured gloves. He spoke with an Asian voice mixed with a Mancunian accent.

Detective Constable Damien McLaughlin, of Rochdale CID, said: "While there were no physical injuries to the operator, she was obviously left very upset and frightened after her ordeal. To threaten anyone with weapons is a cowardly act, but to use those weapons and smash the place up while a woman lay defenceless on the floor shows these offenders have no respect for anyone.

"Inquiries are ongoing to identify and trace these offenders."

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