Police appeal after shopkeeper threatened with knife

GMP

Police are appealing for information after a shopkeeper was threatened with a knife during an attempted robbery in Heywood.

Two men went into an off-licence on Miller Street at around 8.41pm on Sunday 12 December 2010. One offender grabbed the shopkeeper by the collar, pulled him over the counter and threatened him with a large, 10 to 12-inch-long black-handled knife. His accomplice tried to open the till before they were disturbed by people in the back of the shop.

They ran off empty-handed on foot towards Heywood.

The 28-year-old shopkeeper was uninjured.

Police are now appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

The first offender is described as white, between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 8ins tall with black eyebrows and a heavy voice. He was wearing all dark clothing and had the hood pulled up on his jacket and his face was covered over the mouth area.

The second offender is described as white, of medium build and around 6ft tall. He was wearing a black jacket and black trousers.

Detective Constable Claire Rawcliffe of Rochdale CID said: "This was a terrifying experience for the shop assistant but, fortunately, he was not injured.

"I'm urging anyone who may have seen anyone hanging round the shop prior to the attack or even if they saw the robbers flee, to contact us."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8658 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.