Robbers target workingmen's club in Middleton

Police are hunting robbers who attempted to hold up a Middleton workingmen’s club.

At about 11.30pm on Wednesday 3 November 2010, three offenders approached Boarshaw club on Dixon Street, and came across a customer smoking outside.

One of the offenders threatened the 57-year-old man with a handgun and demanded he opened the door to the club. The customer then kicked the gun away when it was pointed at him and turn to run into the club and was then hit on the back with a sledgehammer. The robbers, having failed to get into the club, then left.

The victim suffered blunt trauma to his shoulder for which he now has restricted movement.

The offenders were all white, between 15 and 18-years-old and wore black clothing.

Detective Constable John Schofield, of Rochdale CID, said: “These robbers were clearly desperados who thought they could threaten an innocent man and break into the club.
“They hurt the victim when they couldn’t get into the club and thankfully he was not badly injured.

“I want to reassure club members and the wider community that we are doing all we can to catch these criminals and now want to hear from anyone who saw youths acting suspiciously in the area or may know those responsible.”

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