Masked men attempt bank robbery

GMP

Would-be robbers removed brickwork from a wall in order to rob a Middleton bank but failed to get their hands on any money.

It happened at the Royal Bank of Scotland on Market Place, Middleton, at about 9.15am on 16 December 2010.

A gang of three masked men forced their way into a vacant building next to the bank, and then removed bricks from the wall on the first floor, giving them access to the office area of the bank.

The men restrained two members of staff by placing their gloved hands over their faces to cover their mouths and noses, but two other staff members heard noises from downstairs and went upstairs to investigate.

The two were restrained and the thieves demanded the keys to the vault.

However, when told that none of the staff members had access, the men fled empty-handed.

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

The men were described as being of average height and wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Detective Constable Dave Gill, of Rochdale CID, said: "It is clear these men came up with a pre-planned operation to rob this bank, going to a great deal of trouble to remove brickwork from a vacant property to gain access.

"However, all their criminal endeavours came to nothing because they did not get their hands on any cash.

"Nevertheless, the intent could not have been clearer and the fact they put four members of staff through a traumatic ordeal by restraining them shows they are dangerous individuals who we need to find and arrest.

"I want to assure members of the community and anyone who works at the bank that detectives are working hard to identify these men and I would ask anyone who has information that will assist with our investigation to come forward."

Anyone with information should call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4644 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.