Thug’s raid on nursery

ORDEAL . . . nursery nurse Lynn Gray and deputy manager Nicola Woodley

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A thug created terror in a Royton nursery by forcing his way into the building and pushing a member of staff to the floor as he shouted threats.

The attack took place just after deputy manager Nicola Woodley (30) and nursery nurse Lynn Gray (63) had turned up for work at Nature’s Nursery in St Phillips Drive, Royton.

The doorbell rang and when Nicola opened the door, the man charged inside.

Nicola said: “I tried to shut it but he was stronger than me. He pushed me and I went flying into a radiator. I jumped up towards him and he pushed me back and put his hand in his jacket like he was going to get out a weapon.

“I asked what he wanted and he pointed at the office, then he put whatever was in his jacket to my head and grabbed my arm. I shouted for help and Lynn came down. He started kicking the office door trying to get in.

“He rifled through the drawers until he found the petty cash tin and ran off with £450”

Nicola added: “It wasn’t worth our lives to argue. It has left us both very shaken. The only good thing is there weren’t any children here.”

The raid has left the pair shaken and scared about being alone in the nursery and CCTV is to be installed to heighten security.

The raider is described as white, 5ft 7in, of “beefy” build and was wearing dark clothing, a hooded top with the hood up and a scarf across his face.

Det Cons Maa Scarratt, said: “They’ve been left shaken and distressed by this and I’d encourage anyone with information to come forward.”

The raid was in the early morning of January 22. Details have only just been released.

Give information to police on 0161-856 8821