Police leaflet drop following armed robbery

Date published: 26 October 2005

Police will be carrying out a leaflet drop following an attempted armed robbery at Buersil Post Office on Tuesday 25 October.

The leaflet will appeal to residents to search their gardens and surrounding land in the hope that they may be able to recover a weapon which was used in the incident.

Two men armed with handguns burst into the post office at approximately 11am and threatened staff members. One man was hit over the head with a firearm which subsequently discharged. Both men attempted to make a getaway on a motorcycle which was left outside, but the vehicle fell over and they ran off.

Two men were, a short time later, arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery. However, only one firearm has been recovered.

Detective Sergeant Andy BUTTERWORTH from Rochdale CID said:

"Officers are continuing to carry out a thorough search of the area surrounding Buersil Post Office. We are concerned that a live weapon could potentially be lying in a garden or hedgerow and we are appealing for the public to ensure their children can play safely outside by having them check their gardens.

"It is important that anyone who finds any weapon which they believe may have been used in the attempted robbery does not touch it. Even if you think it is a toy gun, you must not go near it.

"Please contact police and an officer will be sent to your home. The police can be contacted on any of the following numbers 0161 872 5050 or Rochdale CID 0161 856 4646 or 0161 856 8878."

Two men remain in custody being questioned by detectives.