Cash and cigarettes stolen in knifepoint robbery

Police are appealing to anyone who has information to come forward

Cash and cigarettes were stolen during a knifepoint robbery in Middleton.

The robbery, at the Bowness Convenience Store on Bowness Road, happened at about 3.05pm on Friday 10 December 2010.

Two men, using scarves and hoods to conceal their faces, went into the shop and one jumped over the counter and held a six-inch knife up against the shop assistant's neck, demanding he open the till.

Fearing he would be hurt, the shop assistant complied and the thief emptied the till and put the cash into a bag.

His accomplice stole about 45 packs of cigarettes from the display counter, but when they were disturbed by two customers who came into the shop the two thieves fled.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information to come forward.

The first man was black, about 17-years-old and dressed in dark clothing while the other was white and of a similar age.

Detective Constable Chris Chivers said: "This robbery was clearly the work of two desperate individuals who resorted to the threat of violence just to get their hands on some money and cigarettes.

"It was a cowardly threat to a defenceless shop assistant, who had no idea whether they were going to use the knife or not. It is vital we catch these men before they strike again and so the victim can see that some justice after his ordeal has been done.

"The robbery happened while it was still daylight and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed these men going into or running out of the store to come forward.

"Your information could be vital to our investigation and helping us find these men and take them off the streets."

Anyone with information should call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8745 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.