A masked gang who raided a convenience store with a handgun and a large hunting knife are being tracked down by police.
The robbery took place about 9pm on Wednesday October 22 as the shop keeper was closing up at the Windsor Supermarket on Windsor Road, Prestwich.
Three masked men clad in balaclavas burst into the store armed with either a black or silver revolver-type weapon and a knife said to be one and a half feet long.
The gang threatened the shopkeeper before stealing about £800 in cash and numerous bottles of spirits.
Detective Sergeant Iqbal Ahmed said: “Understandably, the shopkeeper was aghast to be confronted by a gang of masked thieves brandishing a gun and a knife.
“He had absolutely no idea whether the weapons would be used and he would be physically set upon and clearly he has suffered a harrowing ordeal at the hands of this gang.
“We need to find the culprits and put them behind bars so that no other innocent shopworkers in our community can be targeted in this nefarious way.”
One man is described as about 5ft 10in tall, of a slim build and wearing a balaclava, a dark jacket and gloves.
He was carrying the knife which had a silver blade.
The gunman was very similarly described and the third offender was said to be of a bigger or chubbier build.
Detective Sergeant Ahmed added: “We believe the offenders may have been lurking in the nearby vicinity waiting for their opportunity to pounce when the shop closed for the night, so I would appeal to anyone who witnessed any men or any cars hanging around the area or acting in a suspicious manner.
“And if you do have information about who you suspect may be involved, then please call us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8204, 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks
