Gun terror raid in wine store

TWO thugs armed with a handgun and a knife threatened a terrified shopworker in Oldham.

The robbery happened at the Jays Wines and Spirits store on Stamford Road, Lees.

A man brandishing a gun jumped on to the counter and pointed at the head of a woman assistant.

The other man who had a knife, reached over the counter and grabbed the till. The pair then fled with a drawer from the till containing about £300 in cash.

The gunman was white, about 5ft 4in and wearing a grey hooded top with a scarf over his face, black gloves and trousers. His accomplice was also white and was wearing black clothing and gloves.

Det-Con Tim Hegarty, from Oldham CID, said: “This was undoubtedly an extremely scary incident for the woman who was working in the shop.

“People who are prepared to carry firearms to intimidate and frighten shopworkers just to get their hands on some cash are cowards and need to be brought to justice.

“Through Operation Vanguard, Greater Manchester Police’s dedicated operation to target armed robbers who prey upon businesses, we have achieved some significant results and put some very dangerous people behind bars.

“Tackling robbery is a priority for Greater Manchester Police and we will be doing everything in our power to find these people and put them in prison. I would ask that if anyone has any information that might help us catch these men come forward.”

Anyone with information about the robbery, at about 7.50pm on Sunday, is asked to call Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.