Detectives investigate two robberies in Rochdale

Detectives are investigating two robberies at houses in Rochdale.

At 10.20pm on Thursday (6 October) police were called to Broadhalgh Avenue, Rochdale, following a report men armed with a knife had broken into a house.

Officers attended and discovered men armed with a knife had broken into a house and attacked a man in his 70s.

The man was taken to hospital with head and facial injuries and has since been allowed to go home.

The man's 70-year-old wife was uninjured but left very shaken.

Her purse and some cash were taken.

At 10.25pm on Monday (10 October) police were called to Hutchinson Road, Norden, Rochdale, following reports of a robbery.

Officers attended and discovered three masked men had broken into the home of a family, attacked and tied up a man and ransacked the house.

The man suffered a fractured leg in the incident. A black Audi was stolen.

Officers arrested two men, aged 25 and 26, on suspicion of robbery on Tuesday (11 October) after executing warrants in Rochdale. They remain in police custody for questioning.

Superintendent Chris Hankinson, based at Rochdale Divisional Headquarters, said: "Two families have suffered despicable levels of violence in their own homes and officers are working tirelessly to ensure those responsible are caught.

"Thankfully, this kind of robbery is a rare occurrence in Rochdale, we are genuinely shocked and taking it extremely seriously.

"We have a team of detectives investigating and working extremely hard to find out who is responsible and ensure they face justice. Extra officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Teams were patrolling the streets last night and will continue to do so: they are there to provide a reassuring presence and will be happy to speak to anyone with concerns and offer crime prevention advice.

"We have acted quickly and arrested two people but that does not mean this is solved and we still need the help of the community - so if you know something about this that could help our inquiries, please contact us."

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