Cash box stolen and security guard threatened with pick-axe handle

A cash box was stolen after a security guard was threatened in Middleton.

At 2.25pm on Monday 14 September 2015, the guard got out of the van after parking at Middleton Service Station on Oldham Road before she was approached by two men.

One of them was holding what is described as being a pick-axe handle. She was threatened before she dropped the box.

Both men ran off towards the Oddfellows Arms pub and got into a black Ford hatchback before driving off.

One man is described as being white, in his early to mid 20s, 5ft 7in tall, of slim build, wore a black puffer jacket with the hood up, grey tracksuit trousers and black trainers. He spoke with a local accent.

The second was white, 5ft 3in tall, of slim build, wore a dark red coloured hooded top and spoke with a local accent.

Detective Constable Dan Daly said: “We believe the car was parked directly outside the pub before the men did a u-turn and drove off in the direction of Middleton town centre. I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or who may have seen the car drive off, to call us as soon as possible.

“Although the victim was not hurt, she has understandably been left upset by what has happened and we are determined to find out who is responsible.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8701 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.