Carjackers threaten women with machete

Two women threatened with a machete as carjackers stole their car in Gypsy Lane, Castleton are the latest in a string  of victims of car crime in the borough.

Paula Holt and her 60-year-old mother were dragged from Ms Holt's Mitsubishi Lancer and threatened with a machete as the thieves made off with her car.

Detective Inspector Daryl Chadwick said officers are treating the attack "very seriously".

He added: "This was a cowardly attack on two women who bravely tried to stay in their car."

The offenders are white, about 5 foot 7 inches with slim to medium builds.

One of the men was in his early twenties and the other aged between sixteen and eighteen with what is described as a baby face.

The car had a tracking device fitted and was later traced to Middleton.

Inspector James Triosi, in charge of policing in North Rochdale, has recently urged car owners to be vigilant after a spate of thefts of motor vehicles and of thefts from motor vehicles.

Witnesses are asked to call the police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.