Police appeal follows 'carefully planned and brazen' cash machine robbery

Detectives believe that two or three men entered a convenience store on Grosvenor Street and threatened staff members before asking them to leave the shop

Police are appealing for witnesses following a cash machine robbery in nearby Castleton.

At around 9.30pm on Monday night (April 24), police were called to reports of a robbery at a shop on Grosvenor Street.

Detectives believe that two or three men entered a convenience store on Grosvenor Street and threatened staff members before asking them to leave the shop.

The men then created a small explosion to remove the cash machine from the premises.

Specialist officers were in attendance on Grosvenor Street to secure the area - this is standard procedure to keep members of the public safe.

A substantial amount of cash was taken, and no arrests have been made as of yet.

Detective Inspector Stuart Round, from GMP’s Rochdale CID, said: “We are doing all we can to identify those involved as we continue to investigate at pace and establish the full circumstances of this incident.

“This was a carefully planned and brazen attack, where those involved showed a complete disregard for the property and other members of the public.

"Thankfully, no one was injured.

“Through initial enquiries, detectives believe that the men were seen leaving railway approach in Rochdale in the direction of Middleton.

“If you were in the area at the time of this incident and have any information that could help our enquiries, please get in touch with us.

"Any information could be crucial to our investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact officers, on 0161 856 8719, or using GMP’s LiveChat facility here

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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