Armed gang strike at Royton Halifax bank

CRIME scene ... Police investigate the robbery.

THREE men armed with machetes raided a bank and demanded cash from terrified staff.

They rushed into the Halifax local agency in Rochdale Road, Royton at 3.35pm on Friday brandishing the weapons.

They went into the back of the premises to grab money before escaping in what is believed to have been a stolen blue Renault Megane car.

No-one was injured but staff and customers were left extremely shaken.

Traffic warden, Peter McDermott (52) was working in the Somerfield car park opposite the Halifax when the raiders struck.

He said: “A blue Renault Megane pulled up and three men wearing black ski masks got out and calmly walked into the Halifax, leaving the driver in the car.

“I went into Somerfield to phone the police and literally two minutes later when I came out they were getting back in the car, holding what looked like truncheons. Somebody said they had dropped some bank notes on the pavement on their way out.

“They then sped off really quickly, about 60mph, jumped a red light and headed off down Middleton Road. It all happened so quickly, it was obviously a highly organised job.”

The premises are connected to Wild and Griffiths estate agents, where police were taking details after the incident. Two of the offenders are described as 5ft 10in tall of medium build. All three of them were wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information should contact Oldham CID on 0161 856 8951 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.