Man arrested over armed robbery

Armed robbery: Robbers made off with thousands of pounds

Police have arrested a man in connection with Thursday's (11 June) armed robbery at a town centre bank.

The incident saw machete-wielding thugs rob a cash delivery man at the Natwest Bank.

Shoppers watched in horror as two men, in balaclavas, pulled up outside the bank on Fleece Street, at 10.45am, where they held their victim at blade-point, before making off with a box containing thousands of pounds.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody for questioning.

Police cordoned the area off and were patrolling the town centre for some time afterwards, with many passers-by being questioned.

The get-away car, a red Vaxhaull Astra, has been recovered by police in Freehold.

A witness, who works at a nearby shop on Drake Street said: “I realised it was Natwest and I thought it was a bank robbery, we were quite on edge.

“I saw lots of flashing blue lights and lots of commotion, and it was all taped off, from the Job Centre, right up to the bank.”

The two offenders are described as male, in dark clothing.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “The offenders made off with the cash in the red Astra which has been recovered, but investigations are ongoing as to the whereabouts of the offenders.”

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the raid and anyone with any information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8632 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.