CCTV has emerged that police believe could help catch the machete-wielding robber who threatened a Salford McDonald’s worker in January.
The images show a man who police wish to speak to in connection with the incdent at the counter moments before a McDonald’s worker was threatened with a large machete in Pendlebury on Wednesday January 7.
Before the incident happened at 2.25pm, a man entered the Bolton Road restaurant three hours earlier, making no effort to disguise himself and spent several hours chatting to staff by the tills.
Initially the offender appeared friendly, but as time went on he grew more unsettled and eventually went outside for a cigarette.
When he returned, he had his hood pulled up and began pacing up and down near the till area, before producing a large wooden-handled machete, which he pointed aggressively towards the 23-year-old shop assistant he had been talking to.
He then stole a small amount of cash from the till and left.
Detective Constable Jill Vescovi said: “Initially this man seemed very friendly and spent a long time chatting to staff.
“Quite what happened we do not know, but something happened that changed this man’s mood from genial to criminal and he eventually produced a large machete that he used to intimidate a member of staff into giving him cash.
“Thankfully he did not use the weapon but the member of staff was understandably distraught.”
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: The offender is seen on CCTV just before he pulls out a machete
The suspect is described as being white, in his mid-30s, with short black hair, of a skinny build and about 5ft 10in tall.
Detective Constable Vescovi added: “If you do know this man, then please do the right thing and come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
