Men armed with weapons rob store

Three men, one armed with a baseball bat and another with a crowbar, robbed a store in Rochdale.

The offenders walked into the Co-op shop on Edenfield Road, Norden at around 9.15pm on Friday 9 November 2012 and approached a member of staff and customer.

He demanded they stayed where they were while the other two men went behind the counter and approached another member of staff, demanding he hand over money.

Cash was taken before all three left through the front door.

No one was injured.

One man is described as being white, in his 20s, 5ft 11in tall, had blue eyes and was of slim build. He wore a black balaclava, black clothing, spoke with a local accent and carried a baseball bat.

The second man is described as being around 5ft 9in tall, wore a dark balaclava, dark jacket and carried a silver crow bar.

The third man was 5ft 4in tall, of slim build and in his 20s. He wore a black balaclava, black clothing and spoke with a local accent.

Detective Constable Dave Gill from Rochdale CID said: “These men entered the store with the sole intention of causing fear to their victims and stealing money. Thankfully no one was hurt but the staff members and customer did not know whether the men were intent on using their weapons.

“If you witnessed this robbery or were around the area at the time and saw something suspicious, please get in touch. You may have seen something that can help us bring these men to justice and stop them from striking again.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 4591 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.