Users of social networking sites are being urged by Greater Manchester Police to come forward with information about an attempted armed robbery at a Oldham jewellers.
The criminal trio, who were armed with a hammer, battering ram and handgun, attempted to raid the shop at 3pm on April 27 but failed to steal any valuables.
Brave members of the public helped catch one of the three culprits aged 25, as they fled from the shop on Spinks Street empty handed.
Since the incident, mobile phone footage capturing the botched robbery has circulated social media websites.
Sergeant Andrew Wheeler said: “I would like to commend the bravery of those people who assisted police in detaining one of the suspects.
“I would never encourage the public to take the law into their own hands and put their own safety at risk, but due to their actions we have been able to arrest a man on suspicion of armed robbery.”
Those commenting and sharing information about the incident are being urged by officers to come forward with any information.
Sergeant Wheeler said: “There has been a significant amount of coverage of this incident on social media, but officers have not been able to find many people willing to speak to them about what they saw.
“Speculation on social media sites will not assist us in apprehending these potentially dangerous men, so instead of commenting online I would urge anyone with information to contact police.”
One of the offenders drove off in a silver Daihatsu which was found abandoned on Queens road, while another while another ran off towards Bolton Street before the police arrived at scene.
He added: “I would urge anyone who saw the incident take place, or believe they have any information which may assist our investigation, to call us on the numbers provided.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
