Hotel staff targeted in terrifying robbery

Staff at a Middleton hotel were threatened with a sledgehammer during a terrifying robbery on Friday night (17 April).

Three masked robbers burst into the Premier Travel Inn on Manchester Old Road shortly before 10pm and escaped with a sum of cash and a mobile phone.

The offenders, who were all dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, vaulted over the reception desk and threatened staff with a sledgehammer before making their getaway.

Detective Constable Wayne Hagan, of Rochdale CID, said: “Fortunately nobody was injured in this robbery, but it left the staff understandably shaken.

"I’m appealing to anybody who may know who is responsible for this attack or, in particular, if they saw the robbers approach the hotel or when they left.

“Please call us if you have any information about these men. They’re dangerous as they are prepared to cause fear in order to get their hands on cash.”

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