CCTV stills for Stretford armed robbery

10:21am Friday 16th May 2008

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POLICE have released CCTV pictures of thieves armed with knives who stole money from a Stretford off-licence.

Two men went into the Bargain Booze shop on Davyhulme Road East brandishing a 12-inch kitchen knife and a machete.

Two members of staff were inside at the time and the robber carrying the machete assaulted one of the employees by punching him in the stomach and knee. He suffered minor injuries.

The offenders then demanded cash from the till and stole a quantity of money before fleeing along Davyhulme Road East.

Police have now issued stills of the two men wanted in connection with the robbery.

The man carrying the machete is described as 20 to 30-years-old, about 5ft 9in tall, of muscular build and wearing a black balaclava and dark sports clothing. The other offender, carrying the knife, is said to be white, about 26 to 28-years-old, 5ft 10in tall, of slim build and wearing a black woolly balaclava and dark clothing.

Detective Constable Barry Conway, of Stretford CID, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the two members of staff who were threatened with weapons. One was physically assaulted and suffered minor injuries, but it could have been even worse if the weapons had been used.

"We do not tolerate this type of behaviour and we are doing everything we can to trace the offenders and punish them.

"The CCTV images are quite clear and I would urge anyone who recognises the two men in the pictures to come forward and speak to us.

"I would also appeal to anyone who saw these two men entering or fleeing the shop, or perhaps saw them acting suspiciously in the area to come forward and help us with our inquiries."

Anyone with information about the incident, which occurred at about 10.40pm on Friday April 4, is asked to call Stretford CID on 0161 856 7671 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.