Man tied up and threatened with machete in robbery

A 49-year-old man was tied up and threatened with a machete during a robbery at a shop in Littleborough.

Three men wearing balaclavas and holding machetes walked into Stansfield Stores on Drake Road, Littleborough, at 9.15pm on Sunday 15 January.

One of the men demanded the victim lay on the floor while another man bound his wrists and ankles. 

They searched the shop and stole money, alcohol and cigarettes before leaving.

The victim was later freed and phoned police.

One of the men is described as white, 6ft 2in tall, of large build like a body builder and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a black hooded top, black trousers and black gloves.

The other two men were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Detective Constable Russ Clarke from Rochdale CID said: “Although the victim was not physically hurt, he feared for his safety and was unsure whether he would be attacked.
“I would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area at the time of the incident, whether that be people hanging around or vehicles, to contact us a soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 4621 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.