Bogus police pounce

POLICE are still appealing for information after conmen stole a van and money during a robbery in Coldhurst.

The 55-year-old victim was flagged down by two men dressed in police uniform in Godson Street at 9.30am on Friday, March 13.

The pair told him they needed to search his van for firearms so he got out and they started to look inside the vehicle.

The man became suspicious and tried to get back into the van but they pushed him away and drove off.

The van, a white Volkswagen panel van, was found abandoned at the back of Rochdale Road two days later. Cash had been stolen.

Det Con Anthony Rourke, from Oldham CID, said: “These men tried to pass themselves off as police officers in order to gain the victim’s trust and co-operation.

Appeal

“They need to be caught and I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or saw the men dump the van to contact police.”

One of the offenders is described as white, 5ft 7in to 5ft 9in tall with short cropped dark hair. He was clean-shaven and was wearing a black bomber jacket with ‘police’ written on the front, black trousers and glasses.

The second offender is described as 6ft tall, of average build and was wearing a black hat and dark clothing. Anyone with any information should call 0161-856 9063 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.