Armed robbery at bank in Middleton

Detectives are appealing for information following an armed robbery at a bank in Middleton on Tuesday evening - 17 April.

Shortly after 7.10pm, two security officers were filling the cash machine at the Abbey National on Middleton Gardens when three masked men smashed their way into the building.

They were armed with a hammer and Samurai sword.

The security officers ran out of the front entrance and the men managed to get away with a substantial amount of money.

The men escaped in a waiting silver Ford Focus that had previously been reported stolen from the New Moston area.

During the escape, one of the offenders was seen to be carrying a handgun.

They turned onto Wood Street, East View and Burton Street before abandoning the car on Whittaker Street. They then ran onto Henry Street where they jumped into a black Ford Mondeo.

All men were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

No one was physically injured during the robbery.

Anyone who saw the incident or who has any further information is asked to contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4557 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.