Shop workers threatened with knife in two robberies

Two shop-workers were threatened by a man wielding a knife in two robberies.

The owner of AFM News on Bridge Street, Heywood, was standing behind the counter at 9.00am on Saturday 23 May when a man wearing a balaclava entered the shop.

He threatened the shopkeeper with a large knife, telling him that he would kill him if he did not hand over cash and cigarettes. He grabbed cash from the till and stuffed around 50 packs of cigarettes into a plastic bag.

The man was disturbed by a customer entering the shop and ran off towards Bury.

Prior to the incident, the offender was seen wearing the balaclava while walking along Market Street from the Pit Street area.

At 10.15am on Monday 25 May 2015 a man entered a newsagent on Taylor Street, Heywood, and again approached the counter and threatened a 25-year-old shop-worker with a large kitchen knife. He fled with cash and left in a waiting car going in the direction of Angel Meadow.

Police believe the same man may be responsible for both robberies.

The man is described as white, about 6ft tall, of stocky build, and was wearing a face-covering, gloves and a high-viz jacket.

Detective Inspector Diane Johnson of Rochdale division said: “Two men who were just doing their jobs were threatened with a knife.

“These were terrifying ordeals and the victims were understandably shaken.

"If anyone was in the area and saw the man either before or after the robbery I would ask them to call us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8701 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.