Armed gang threatened customers and staff as they robbed Milnrow Cricket Club

A gang armed with a crowbar and a piece of concrete paving slab demanded money and threatened to attack those inside Milnrow Cricket Club - which included the manager and four customers - if their demands were not met.

The gang struck at the club on Harbour Lane in Rochdale at about 00.15am on 18 January 2014.

The club was just closing up for the night when the gang of four men burst in the members lounge via the main entrance and confronted the manager who was stood near the fire exit.

After stealing cash and mobile phones, one of the customers managed to run out through the fire exit. The police were then called which caused the gang to flee across the cricket field.

They are described as being white, in their late teens to early 20s and spoke with local accents. They were wearing dark clothing and had their faces masked by either scarves or another piece of clothing.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Crystal-Dee O'Hara said: "It is quite clear these men had one aim in mind and that was to cause as much fear and intimidation as possible. These men armed themselves with a crowbar and a broken piece of a paving slab to frighten those in the club into thinking they would be attacked if they did not acquiesce to their demands.

"These men are therefore dangerous and we need to find them.

"It is completely unacceptable that commercial premises like a cricket club are targeted in such a way. This is a much-loved community facility in Milnrow which a lot people frequent, so I am urging anyone who can help us catch these men to come forward.

"If you have any information about who may have committed this robbery then we really need to hear from you."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.