Shop assistant threatened with knife during Oldham attempted robbery

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Sunny Off Licence, Oxford Street, Werneth

A shop assistant was threatened with a knife and punched in the face during an attempted robbery at an Oldham off licence.

At about 5.25pm on Thursday 30 November five men stormed into Sunny Off Licence on Oxford Street in Werneth.

One man stood outside and two men stood by the door while the other two approached the counter and tried to steal the till.

One of the robbers then thrust the knife into the face of a shop assistant. She tried to grab the weapon and a tussle took place where she cut her hand on the blade.

She then grappled with two of the men in a bid to stop them from escaping with the till during which she was punched in the face.

The men – who are described as slim, average height, wearing dark clothing and face coverings - ran off empty handed and went down a ginnel across the road.

Detective Constable Madaleine Atherton, from Oldham CID, said: “The incredibly brave woman fought these men off in a bid to protect the business and in doing so they left with nothing.

“She had to attend hospital because of the injuries they inflicted on her and has since needed surgery. This attack could have had devastating consequences.

“Anyone who has any information about the incident should contact us immediately.”

Anyone with any information about this robbery should call CID on 0161 856 8999 quoting incident number 1592 of 30 November 2017.

Alternatively, details can be passed on to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.