Pair arrested following armed raid at betting shop

GMP

Two men have been arrested in connection with a robbery at a betting shop in Rochdale.

At about 9.35am on Monday (25 July 2011), a woman working at Coral on Milkstone Road was struck with the butt of a gun after an armed raider entered and demanded cash.

The robber ran off with cash from the till after attacking the woman, aged 43.

As part of an investigation into the robbery detectives and officers from GMP’s Tactical Firearms Unit executed a number of warrants.

Two men, aged 24 and 21, have been arrested on suspicion of armed robbery and remain in police custody for questioning.

Detective Sergeant Jason Burke, of Rochdale CID, said: “Any robbery is a serious offence but when violence and a gun are used it raises concern in the community and has an obvious and lasting impact on the victim.

“I want to reassure the public and business community that we thoroughly investigate all such incidents and I hope all are reassured by these arrests.

“If anyone has any further information about this or any other raid please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4644, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.