Appeal after men raid shop

STAFF were left fearing for their safety when masked men targeted an Oldham betting shop in the middle of the day.

A member of staff was forced into the shop while one of the two men demanded cash during the robbery at Eldon Precinct, off Ashton Road.

A second staff member handed over cash to the robber who fled on foot out the back of the shop.

Greater Manchester Police are appealing for information about the robbery which occurred shortly before 3.35pm on Tuesday, July 4.

PC Ian Hope, from Oldham's CID team, said: "This was a brazen robbery in a busy precinct during the day.

"I believe someone might have seen these men either before the robbery or after and I would urge anyone with any information to get in touch."

During the incident, two masked men approached a member of staff who was stood outside the back of the bookmakers in Eldon Precinct.

One of the men stayed at the rear of the shop while the second man forced the staff member inside and demanded cash.

GMP said via Twitter: "Fearing for their safety, a second staff member handed over a quantity of cash before the robber fled on foot out the back.

"The staff members were understandably shaken but were thankfully not injured."

The "main offender" ­- a 5ft4in man of slim build ­- was described as black and spoke with a local accent.

He wore a black balaclava with eye holes cut out as well as a light grey hooded top with the hood up and black trousers. He carried a white bag.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856-9063, quoting incident number 1365 of July 4, 2017.