Police appeal following attempted bank robbery

Police are appealing for information following an attempted bank robbery in Middleton.

At around 4.40pm on Tuesday 29 March 2011, the men pulled up in a stolen black Ford Fiesta on Long Street, Middleton and threw a grid cover through the glass doors of the Barclays Bank, smashing them.

Both walked inside, one of them was carrying a machete. They held a machete up to a witnesses throat, before staff set off the security system.

The men escaped empty handed and drove off. The car was later found abandoned on Alkrington Park Road.

A 21-year-old man and 23-year old man have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Jason Burke from Rochdale CID said: “I am keen to speak to anyone who may have seen something suspicious before the attempted robbery, whether that was the vehicle driving to the bank, the incident taking place or the vehicle being abandoned.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8551 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.