Would-be robbers threaten couple at knifepoint

GMP

A woman and her boyfriend have been threatened at knifepoint by would-be robbers in Middleton.

At 10.30pm on Wednesday 11 May 2011, two men broke into the home of a 27-year-old woman on Alston Walk, Middleton.

The men threatened the woman and her 30-year-old boyfriend and demanded drugs.

One of the men pulled out a large knife, grabbed the victim's boyfriend by the head and put a bag across his face.

The men ransacked the ground floor of the house but left empty-handed.

The woman and her boyfriend were not injured in the incident.

One of the men was described as a black man, 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in tall, of stocky build with brown eyes. He was wearing black clothes and thick padded black gloves.

The second was described as a white man, about 5ft 8in tall, had mousey brown hair and was of skinny build. He was clean shaven, had a pale complexion, looked unkempt and scruffy. He was wearing a navy blue hooded jacket and navy blue cap.

Detective Constable Chris Whalley, based at Rochdale CID, said: "We are working hard to find the people responsible for this as it is imperative that anyone prepared to carry a knife and use it in such a threatening way is caught.

"If you saw something or know anything about this incident that might help our inquiries, please contact me."

Anyone with information is asked to call officers in Rochdale on 0161 856 4646 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.