Shop keeper attacked with hammer

A shop worker was hit over the head with a hammer during a robbery in Rochdale.

At about 10.20pm on Sunday, 7 February 2010, the 34-year-old man was attacked as he arrived at the Premium Food and Wine store on Manchester Road, Castleton.

He got out of his car and was approaching the back of the shop down an alleyway when he was set upon by two offenders.

He was hit over the back of his head and fell to the floor bleeding. The offenders stole the cash bag and ran off.

The victim was taken to Rochdale Infirmary suffering from a wound to the back of the head. He has since been released from hospital.

The offenders are described as white and wearing balaclavas.

A silver Saab estate was believed to be involved in the robbery with two more offenders possibly inside.

Detective constable Michael Berger, of Rochdale CID, said: "These offenders obviously did their homework because they were lying in wait as the victim returned to the shop.

"However, that means that they were probably in the area before the robbery so I am confident that someone would have seen them.

"The victim suffered a nasty cut to the back of the head and, as with any head injury, things could have been even worse.

"I want to reassure both the victim and the community that we are doing all we can to track down these ruthless robbers."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 1976 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.