Landlord and wife tied up in pub robbery

A pub landlord and his wife were tied up by robbers following a break-in during the early hours of this morning (Thursday 2 July).

Three robbers climbed through a secure upstairs window into The White Lion on Edenfield Road in Norden, and dragged the 61-year-old manager and his 58-year-old wife out of bed, after arming themselves with the couple's iron.

The victims were threatened and the men tethered their hands together with duct tape.

All of the men searched the pub's living quarters and forced the woman to show them where the cash was kept.

They stole a sum of cash, including money collected for charity, a mobile phone, laptop and wallet and several bottles of Samuel Smith's own brand spirits.

The men then fled the scene in a car.

All three robbers were dressed in black and were wearing gloves and balaclavas.

The victims were uninjured in the raid.

Detective Constable Ben Harris, based at Rochdale CID, said: "It was terribly frightening for this couple to be woken in the middle of the night by three thugs.

"Although they weren't injured, they were so shocked that an ambulance had to be called.

"If you know who is responsible or are offered any the distinctive Sam Smith's own label spirits, please contact me."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4644 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.