Armed raider targets pawnbrokers

ARMED raid . .. Sovereign Pawnbrokers and Jewellers was robbed at gunpoint

STAFF at an Oldham pawnbrokers were threatened at gunpoint by a masked man.

The robber, wearing dark clothing, a hood and a scarf covering his mouth, walked into the Sovereign Pawnbrokers and Jewellers in Manchester Street at 10.30am on Friday.

When he jumped over the counter, one of the staff ran off to activate the alarm but the robber pointed the gun at their face before stealing jewellery and running off.

The raider is described as between 5ft 6in and 5ft 8in tall and of medium build.

Det Insp Dave Massey, from Oldham CID, said: “This man walked into the shop armed with a weapon, showing this was a premeditated attempt to rob the shop and frighten staff.

“I would urge anyone who was walking along Manchester Street at the time of the robbery and who may have seen something to contact as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161-856 8951 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.