Armed with a hunting knife and a samurai sword, masked men burst into a Chadderton off licence in a horrifically violent burglary – and almost chopped a worker’s finger off.
As shown in the CCTV footage, the three men, hidden by balaclavas, run into the S and P convenience store on Coalshaw Green Road and begin to hack at terrified shop assistants.
They swing their weapons at the two members of staff working at the counter who were desperately trying to get the till opened up.
In a gesture of self-defence, a 22-year-old man raised his hands to defend himself and his finger was slashed – and has had to be stitched back on.
Detective Constable Richard Whiting described the robbers involved in the incident at 9.35pm on Saturday, as ‘out of control’.
“The injury that one of the men suffered to his finger was horrific, yet it is fortunate that nobody was more seriously hurt, such was the threat that came with these dangerous weapons,” he said.
The young man’s store colleague, 24, also had his necklace, one of great Hindu significance, stolen in the raid.
He was also slashed to the forearm and needed three stitches.
After stealing some cash, the offenders ran off.
Due to balaclavas hiding their faces, it was difficult for the victims to provide detailed descriptions, however they have managed to add some more information.
The robbers are described as being white men in their late teens to early 20s, in dark clothing.
The man with the samurai sword was wearing a dark Adidas T-shirt with a motif on the front.
DC Whiting added: “I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the offenders entering or leaving the shop to call us, and we also ask that anyone who may have information about this offence to call us.
“Robberies of this nature are rare and we are determined to catch the people responsible.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8825, 0161 856 4553 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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