Shooting fright of policewoman

MASKED thugs threatened to shoot a policewoman when she investigated a suspected burglary in Werneth early this morning.

The officer was forced to release one of the suspects when his accomplice approached her and said: “Do you want to get shot?”

The incident happened in Oxford Street after police received reports of a possible burglary at 12.50am. Once there, she was confronted by two Asian men in balaclavas and dark clothing and managed to grab one of them before his accomplice threatened her with an object which she couldn’t make out.

The pair then fled the scene.

One of the men is described as short and stocky, the other slightly taller.

Ten minutes later, up to four men in balaclavas stepped in front of a motorist’s car in Glamorgan Place and tried, unsuccessfully, to get the driver to stop.

Police believe that the incidents may be linked and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Det Sgt Danny Inglis, of Oldham CID, said: “This investigation is at a very early stage and we are trying to piece together exactly what these men were doing at the house and what their intentions were.

“When officers respond to 999 calls, there is always the chance they will have to risk their lives to protect the public and in this instance, when confronted by a man who threatened to shoot her, the officer did exactly the right thing in releasing the man she had detained.

“We do not know if he was carrying any sort of weapon but clearly there was a threat made on her life.

“Thankfully the officer was not injured and she is fine, but this does highlight the dangers police officers face every day.

“It is vital that we find these men.

“If you did see anyone acting suspiciously in the Oxford Street area then please come forward as your information could be crucial.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.