Two armed robberies in two hours

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Another armed robbery took place, an hour after the one which happened in Rochdale town centre yesterday.

Masked men armed in balaclavas stole cash, also from a cash delivery man,, at 12.20pm yesterday (Thursday 11 June) as the van was making a delivery to the Middleton Arena on Corporation Street.

The three masked men got of a black Audi Q7, registration number GP57 XEZ, and threw the security guard to the floor before stealing a cash box.

They then fled in the Audi towards Townley Street.

Although the security guard was not badly injured and the machetes were not used he was shaken up.

This follows an attack at Natwest Bank, Rochdale town centre, at 11.00am.

Police in Rochdale are now appealing for witnesses.

Detective Constable Jonathan Carter, from Rochdale CID, said: "This was clearly a pre-planned attack by this gang, and we are doing everything we can to find them and bring them to justice.

"This is where the public can play their part. If you saw a black Audi Q7 driving erratically or at high speeds at about the time of the incident, or perhaps parked up somewhere in the vicinity before the robbery, please come forward as your information could be vital."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4557 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.