A gang of masked robbers, one armed with a machete, filled dustbins with stolen cigarettes from a Flixton store on Wednesday evening.
The men walked into Martin McColl’s on Flixton Road at around 6:50pm dressed in black clothing.
One of the offenders armed with a machete approached a member of staff and told her, ‘I’m not going to hurt you’ while the other two filled the dustbins with cigarettes.
The thieves then fled in the direction of Trevor Road.
Detective Inspector Morris, from Trafford division, said: “Thankfully no-one was injured but when you are confronted by masked robbers no-one can be sure of their intentions and the upset these men have caused the member of staff we need to identify them and arrest them as quickly as possible.”
“I want to assure people, particularly businesses who may be concerned, that we will carry out a through investigation to trace those responsible and there will be an increased police presence in the area.
“Also, I would ask people to be on their guard and if they are offered cheap cigarettes, then these could be the cigarettes stolen so please call the police immediately and help us bring these men to justice.”
One of the offenders has been described as white, 5ft 7inches tall, aged late teens or early 20s, of slim build with blue eyes and was wearing a balaclava covering his face.
He was wearing black tracksuit bottoms, a black top and was armed with a machete.
The other two men described of medium build were also wearing black clothing and balaclavas.
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7655 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Viajar24h.com via Flickr, with thanks.
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