Two armed men gatecrash party

A 40th birthday party was thrown into chaos when gunmen barged into the Middleton venue.

At about 12.30am on Sunday 7 July 2013, two offenders forced their way into the party that was being held at Lessa Vain Dance Studio in Spring Gardens.

One offender, who was armed with a handgun, put his weapon to the head of a woman who was working at the venue and demanded cash.

A quantity of cash was handed over and the offenders ran off.

One offender was white, 5ft 10in tall, of skinny build and in his early 20s. He was wearing a black hooded jumper that was pulled over his head and had black material covering his nose and mouth.

The other was described as white, 5ft 8in tall, of skinny build and in his early 20s. He was wearing a grey hooded jumper that was pulled up over his head and had his face covered.

No one at the party was injured but staff and partygoers were left shaken.

Detective Constable Nick Price, said: “These two robbers have entered a crowded venue and used a gun and threats of violence to steal cash.

“We can’t say with any certainty whether the gun was real or an imitation, but that will have in no way lessened the impact this has had on those present.

“What should have been an enjoyable and celebratory occasion ended in chaos because of these two men and someone will know who they are.

“Perhaps they told someone about this, either in the planning stages of after the event and if you have any information that can help I would urge you to call us in absolute confidence.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8577, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.