71-year-old barman fights off three robbers armed with sticks

A 71-year-old man fought off three men armed with sticks who had burst into a working men's club and demanded cash.

At around 12.15am on Sunday 7 September 2014, three men entered Heap Bridge Working Men's Club on Waterfold Lane, Heywood armed with sticks and wearing balaclavas.

They demanded the club's takings, but the barman refused and instead threw a tray of glasses at them.

They rushed behind the bar and dragged the victim to the floor, kicking him repeatedly and demanding that he open the safe.

When he again refused, the men ran off.

The first offender is described as 6ft tall, medium build, with a local accent. He was wearing khaki-coloured clothing and a balaclava.

The second man is 5ft 8in tall, slim build and was wearing a balaclava.

The third offender is 5ft 6in tall and was wearing a balaclava.

Detective Sergeant Tony Dixon said: "I must first praise the bravery that this man showed to fight off the attackers and make sure they left empty handed.

"Three men armed with sticks were no match for his strength of character, which did not waver even when they pulled him to the ground and started to assault him.

"It also shows the cowardice of these offenders, who were forced to run away with nothing after he stood up to them.

"We need people who may have seen these men in the area at the time to come forward and contact us on the numbers below."

Anyone with information is asked to call Police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.