Browse Sections

• Education
• Roadworks
• Shipman
• Special reports

Staff threatened in bank raid

Emilene Coventry
28/ 1/2008

MASKED robbers threatened staff and stole cash in an armed attack on an Ashton bank.

Police were called to a branch of the Lloyds TSB bank on Old Street following reports that the robbers had broken in.

Three offenders forced open the glass entrance door and pointed a gun at a bank worker at about 5.30pm on Friday 25 January.

A fourth member of the gang waited nearby in a black Audi.

They stole a substantial amount of cash before fleeing the scene in the car, which was later found burnt out on Kettle Street.

The staff in the bank were left badly shaken up after their ordeal but no-one was injured and no shots were fired.

Detective Sergeant Anthony Platten, from Tameside CID, said: “The staff at the bank were subjected to a frightening ordeal and luckily no-one was hurt. However, the fact the intruders were armed shows they were prepared to use force if necessary and it is vital we apprehend them.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw these men entering or leaving the bank, or who saw the black Audi prior to the time of the robbery to come forward.”

All four robbers were dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas.

Anyone with information is asked to call Tameside CID on 856 9256 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.