Armed Robbery - Edenfield Road petrol station

Three armed men have stolen a substantial amount of cash during a robbery at a petrol station in Rochdale.

Shortly after 11am on Monday 12 May, the men went into the BP petrol station on Edenfield Road in Rochdale. One of the men was armed with a machete, and another was carrying a sledgehammer.

The men confronted two transit security guards inside and stole a substantial amount of money from them.

The robbers then fled onto Bagslate Moor Road towards Heywood in what was believed to be a black A-Class Mercedes.

A similar looking vehicle was later found on fire minutes later on Dixon Fold.

All three offenders were wearing balaclavas. The man carrying the machete was 6ft 3in tall and wearing a dark tracksuit.

The man with the sledgehammer was dressed in all black. A third man was carrying a large black bag and dressed in all black. The men had Manchester rather than Rochdale accents

Detective Sergeant Graham Hook said: "Though no-one was injured in this robbery, staff were badly shaken up and a substantial amount of cash was stolen.

"In order to ensure that we catch those responsible, and that others are not subjected to a similar ordeal, we would appeal to anyone with information to contact us."

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to call Rochdale CID 0161 856 4591, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.