Attempted armed robbery at a shop in Falinge

Date published: 04/05/2006

Detectives in Rochdale are appealing for information following an attempted armed robbery at a shop last night, Wednesday 3 May 2006.

At around 10.10pm three men went into Select and Save on Whitworth Road in Falinge and threatened the shopkeeper with a gun. They pointed the gun at him and told him they wanted the ATM machine, which is inside the store.

The 37-year-old shopkeeper refused the demands and threatened the offenders with a stick from behind the counter. A short scuffle ensued and the three men left the shop empty handed. It is thought they may have used a black Vauxhall to make their escape.

The shopkeeper suffered a minor injury to his hand during the attempted robbery but did not require hospital treatment.

The three men were wearing balaclavas and are thought to be white.

Anyone with information about the attempted robbery or sightings of a black Vauxhall in the area is asked to contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8551 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.