Masked men in hammer raid on shop

TERRIFIED staff were threatened with a hammer in a violent armed robbery at a Shaw off-licence.

Three masked men entered Top Shop on Fraser Street and threatened a man behind the counter, grabbing him round the throat, at 9.05pm on Tuesday.

They then grabbed a hammer from behind the counter and threatened to hit the rest of the staff. They stole a quantity of cash, two laptops, cigarettes and bottles of whisky and vodka. They drove off in the same car they had arrived in — a black Volkswagen Golf. This was later found abandoned.

No-one was injured but the shop staff were left shaken.

Police want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

Detective Sergeant John Coleman, of Oldham Police, said: “Thankfully no-one was hurt, but if you put yourselves in the position of the shop assistants you can imagine how they must have felt. It is clear therefore the offenders are dangerous criminals with a propensity for violence and need to be caught.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information about this robbery to come forward.

“In particular, I want to hear from anyone who witnessed the robbery itself.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police on 0161 856 8951 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.