Staff member injured in armed robbery in Middleton

Just before midday on Friday 7 March 2008 police were called to the Nationwide Building Society on Middleton Gardens following reports of an armed robbery there.

On arrival officers were told three men armed with large stones and machetes had burst into the branch.

One of the men threw a stone at the Perspex screen that members of staff were sitting behind, smashing it.

Part of the screen hit a 61-year-old woman who works in the branch in the face, causing severe swelling and possibly breaking her nose.

The two men then jumped over the counter and grabbed some bags of cash that were on the side before escaping.

It is believed they fled the scene in a burgundy Renault Megane before swapping to motorbikes.

Two of the men were white and were dressed all in black. One of them was black, and about 6ft tall.

The injured woman has been taken to North Manchester General Hospital to be treated for her injuries, which are not life threatening.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 8552 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.