Shopkeeper’s knife terror

MASKED robbers held a knife to a shopkeeper’s throat during a robbery in Hathershaw.

Two men wearing balaclavas threatened the 37-year-old victim with 12-in knives at Broadway News in Broadway Street at 7.30pm on February 20.

They forced him to open the till before stealing money and cigarettes and running away.

The shopkeeper was not injured but was badly shaken by the ordeal.

Police are now appealing to anyone who may have information or who saw the men going either into or out of the newsagent's to come forward.

The raiders are described as wearing balaclavas and being about 5ft 9in tall.

Det-Con Paul Cockburn, of Oldham CID, said: “Tackling knife crime is a priority for this division and for Greater Manchester Police, and we have seen a significant drop in this sort of criminality.

“Sadly, incidents like this, where knives are used as weapons, is one incident too many and therefore we are doing everything we can to find the offenders and bring them to justice.

“This incident was a traumatic experience for an innocent member of our community who is simply trying to make a hard-earned living in difficult times.

“I would ask the public help us find these men by coming forward if they have any information, as this could be crucial to our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 0161-856 8955 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.