Middleton shopkeeper gives chase to armed robbers

CCTV footage from the incident

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

A shopkeeper grabbed a bat and chased two armed men trying to rob his store.

Between 2pm and 2.30pm on Monday 8 November 2010, the victim was working in his shop on Manchester Old Road, Middleton.

Two men walked into the shop and one asked if the victim sold gloves.

The victim replied that they did not and the other man then asked what time the shop closed before leaving.

At 5.30pm the men came back to the shop with scarves across their faces. One held a 14inch knife towards the victim's face and demanded money.

Both men then walked around the counter to where the victim was so he picked up a rounders bat and used it to hit the knife.

The men then ran out of the shop so the victim chased them down Boothroyden Road but he lost sight of them.

One man was described as white, 5ft 7ins tall of slim to medium build and spoke with a Manchester accent.

The second man was described as 5ft 7ins tall, of mixed race and was slim to medium build.

Detective Constable Ben Harris of Rochdale CID said: "This is the second time this year the victim has been targeted and he clearly took very brave action to prevent these men stealing anything.

"We would always advise people to not to put themselves in any danger in situations like this and to call the police for help, but I can understand why the victim wanted to protect himself.

"If anyone has any information about the robbery or recognises the men in the CCTV images, please don't hesitate to call."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4646 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111