Security Guard Attacked with Machete in Middleton

Detectives in Middleton are appealing for witnesses after a security guard was attacked with a machete during an attempted armed robbery on a cash in transit van yesterday morning, Tuesday 20th April.

The 34-year-old victim had pulled up outside the Co-Op Late Shop on Kenyon Lane at around 11.05am with two other guards, and was making his way to the store when two masked men armed with machetes ran up to him.

They demanded money but before the victim could reply they attacked him from behind.

They continued to attack him with the machetes, leaving him with a broken arm and wrist and slash wounds to his thighs, rear and neck which all required stitches.

Police arrived at the scene disturbing the offenders, who threw a machete at the police van and dropped the cash before running off.

They escaped in a burgundy Ford Granada which was on false plates, and was found abandoned nearby on Greenhill Road.

A red Ford Transit van on false plates was also left at the scene by the offenders. It is believed they had arrived in this vehicle and lain in wait for the cash in transit van to arrive.

The offenders have been described as wearing balaclavas and dark clothing.

The victim was taken to Oldham Hospital and has since returned to another hospital for further treatment.

Detective Constable Joe Clarke from Middleton CID said: "It appears these two men were intent on using extreme violence. They came armed with machetes and attacked the victim before he even had a chance to act on their demands.

The victim has suffered some horrific injuries that will require a lot of follow up treatment and it is essential we catch the people responsible before they strike again.

I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information about the people responsible to contact the police immediately. I would also like to hear from anyone who saw the red Ford Transit or the Ford Granada used by the offenders in the area before or after the attempted robbery to get in touch by calling the CID at Middleton on 0161 856 8753 or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."