Toy gun raiders flee shop empty-handed

THREE masked teenagers fired a plastic toy gun in a terrifying attempted robbery in Oldham.

The trio stormed into Bargain Booze, in Hollinwood Road, brandishing a large kitchen knife and what workers believed to be a gun. When a member of staff refused to hand over cash the gunman pulled the trigger, prompting a plume of smoke to leave the barrel.

Det Con Joe Burke, from Oldham CID, said: “The member of staff was terrified as the gun looked authentic. It was only when it was fired, they realised it was a toy.”

The offenders fled empty-handed at around 6.30pm on Friday, July 1.

The men are described as being between 15 and 17 years old, of slim build and between 5ft 5ins and 5ft 8ins tall.

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161-856 8955 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.