Appeal after botched robbery at store

A crow-bar wielding robber fled empty-handed following an unsuccessful attempt to break into the till of a Middleton store.

At 7.25pm on Thursday 6 February 2014, the offender, who was armed with a crowbar, entered Bargain Booze on Lakeland court while an accomplice stood guard.

Seeing what was happening, a woman who was working in the shop managed to lock herself in a rear office.

Unperturbed, the offender leapt over the counter and tried to open the till.

He fled empty-handed after failing to open the till.

The would-be robber who entered the shop was white, of stocky build, about 5ft 8in tall and was wearing dark clothing and a balaclava that covered his face. He spoke with a local accent.

The second offender who stood guard was dressed in dark clothing and was wearing a balaclava also.

The shop assistant - a lone woman - was unhurt but left very shaken.

Detectives are also keen to trace a male customer who was in Bargain Booze just before the attempted robbery.

Detective Constable Heidi Edge, said: “A man armed with a weapon has entered the shop while his accomplice stood guard and terrified a woman who was working alone at the time.

“Thankfully she was not injured but she was simply doing her job and should not have to deal with such mindless and thuggish thieves who think it is acceptable to use intimidation and violence to take what does not belong to them.

“If you were in the area or have any information about the offenders then please call us.

“We are also keen to speak to the man who left just as the offenders entered. We believe he was most likely aware that something imminent and untoward was about to happen and he is potentially an extremely important witness.

“If you are this person or know who he is then please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8701, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.