A masked gang armed with a shotgun and a machete stormed a Bolton bingo hall and fled with £5,000 yesterday.
Four balaclava-clad men ripped their winnings from cash drawers at Mecca Bingo on Breightmet Fold Lane, Bolton, at around 7.10pm before fleeing in a stolen blue Volvo estate.
Three of the men had forced their way through the front door of the premises, which had been locked by security staff when they had seen the gang approach the building.
Sergeant Kevin Day said: “The bingo hall was open for business at the time and was full of people enjoying the games.
“Luckily, nobody was badly hurt, but that should not undermine the fact that these men came heavily armed and capable of causing serious injury.
“The men knew what they were doing, they wasted no time in going straight to the cash drawers to ensure a quick getaway and used a stolen car which was soon abandoned after the crime.”
Once inside the men, who were armed with a hammer as well as a machete and a shotgun, abandoned the vehicle on Fosters Lane and it is being examined by the police’s forensic team.
Anyone with information should call Bury police on 0161 856 5795 or 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
