Middleton car thieves hunted by police

Police are hunting three men who threatened a couple with a knife before stealing their car.

At around 11pm on Wednesday 12 November 2014, the victim and his wife returned to their home on Manor Road, Middleton, when they were approached by three men wearing balaclavas.

One of the men threatened the couple with a knife and demanded the keys to their car, a white BMW 2 Series.

Terrified, the couple threw the keys to the men, two of whom jumped in the BMW and drove off towards Mainway.

The third offender ran out on to Manor Road and jumped into a black VW Golf, before following the BMW on to Mainway.

The three men are all described as white, between 5ft 8in and 5ft 10in tall, of slim build and in their early 20s. They were all wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Detective Constable Nick Price said: “This was a planned attack as the offenders have targeted a brand new car and were lying in wait for the couple to return home.

“It was obviously traumatising for the victims and we want to prevent these men striking again and subjecting more innocent people to this type of treatment.

“The vehicle in question is a white BMW with the registration plate PE14 TFN, so we would ask that anyone who sees this vehicle to call police immediately.”

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