CCTV footage of Middleton knifepoint robbery

Date published: 27/08/2008

Police have released CCTV footage of a man armed with a knife, who stole cash from a craft shop in Middleton.

The robbery occurred at the Glitterbox shop on Townley Street at about 11.50am on Friday 8 August.

The offender went into the shop posing as a customer and started chatting to staff. He asked a member of staff to look for something in the stockroom and when they returned, he pulled out an eight-inch kitchen knife.

He leapt behind the counter and stole a very small quantity of cash from the till.

After fleeing the shop, he got into a car which was parked on the Powermill Gym car park and made off along Townley Street. In trying to escape, he collided with a lorry but continued to drive away. The car was later found abandoned on Greenhill Road in Cheetham Hill.

Police are appealing to anyone who recognises the offender, or knows of his whereabouts, to come forward.

Detective Constable Ryan Grumbridge, from Rochdale CID, said: "The staff inside the store were understandably frightened because this man produced a very dangerous weapon.

"They had no idea what his intentions were and what he was going to do with the knife. Luckily, no-one was hurt.

"I would appeal to anyone who recognises the offender from the CCTV images to come forward and help us with our inquiries."

Anyone with information should call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.