Shop assistant assaulted in robbery

A shop assistant was forcibly restrained during a robbery in south Middleton.

The assault happened at the Simply Drinks store on Kirkway at about 7.40pm on Tuesday 12 January.

Two men went into the shop, barging a customer out of the way and then grabbing hold of the shop assistant to restrain her.

One of the men then jumped over the counter, stealing the till. Both then fled.

The first man, who grabbed the shop assistant, was white, about 17-18-years-old, 5ft 7in tall and of medium build with dark bushy eyebrows. He was wearing dark jogging bottoms, a black jacket, black trainers, black gloves and a balaclava.

The other offender was white, 17-18-years-old, about 5ft 5in tall, of a slim build and wearing dark clothing and a balaclava.

Police are appealing to anyone who has information about the robbery to come forward.

Detective Constable Wayne Hagan, from Rochdale CID, said: "I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of this robbery, and perhaps saw two men either acting suspiciously or running away from the scene to come forward, as that information could be vital to helping us find these two thieves.

"Greater Manchester Police has an excellent record when it comes to tracing and convicting these sorts of cowardly criminals, and with the public's help we can find this duo and put them behind bars."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.