Tram-scam alert

Metrolink stop

Police are warning Metrolink users to be wary of scammers tampering with ticket machines after a teenage girl was robbed at a tram stop.

Three people — a 36-year-old woman and two men aged 37 and 39 — have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed after a 14-year-old girl fell victim to the con in early July.

The 14-year-old bought a travel ticket but didn’t receive change from the machine. After calling Metrolink she realised a putty-like substance had been put in the change dispenser to stop coins dropping. She removed the substance but when her change dropped the two men and a woman came up and took her money.

Officers want to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened afterwards, when a man and a woman, believed to be Asian, came to the young girl’s aid.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.