Motorist beats armed robbers

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A quick-thinking motorist managed to dodge two armed robbers who tried to steal his car.

Two men, one wielding a knife and the other a crowbar, startled the driver as he sat in a car park next to Hopwood Petrol Station, Rochdale Road, on Wednesday 8 April.

The 24-year-old man was sat in his black Honda Civic as the pair opened the passenger door and used their weapons to demand the keys to the car.

The offenders managed to get away with a mobile phone, but the man put his foot down and managed to drive away, damaging his vehicle in the process.

The first offender is described as white, about 5ft 4in tall with a chubby build, aged around 20 and wearing dark clothing. He was carrying the knife. The second man was also white, about 20-years-old, but much taller, at about 6ft 3in tall. He carried a blue crowbar.

PC Michael Berger, of Rochdale Volume Crime Team, said: "These offenders were clearly out to cause violence with the weapons they had. Fortunately the quick thinking of the victim meant he could drive away quickly. It occurred in a public place near to Slattocks roundabout. It is imperative we catch these men."

Anyone with information can call Rochdale Volume Crime Team on 0161 856 8632 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.