Five arrested after robbers armed with sledgehammer and crowbar target McColl's shop in Atherton

Shortly before 12.35pm on Tuesday, three men wearing balaclavas burst into the McColl's shop on Car Bank Street, leaving a fourth man in a Vauxhall Vectra outside.

Two of them were carrying a sledgehammer and a crowbar and threatened staff, punching one of them repeatedly in the face

The offenders fled in the car having stolen a small amount of cash and some stamps.

Officers quickly made their way to the scene and arrested a 36-year-old man but the other three fled towards the M61 where they attempted to carjack a Toyota Yaris by attacking the elderly male driver and trying to drag a woman out of the car, onto the slip road of junction four of the M61.

Another man, aged 32, was arrested at this location with two others aged 35 and 36 arrested nearby.

They were all arrested on suspicion of robbery and a woman, aged 48, was also arrested on suspicion of money laundering in connection with the investigation.

They remain in police custody for questioning.

Detective Sergeant Rick Castley of GMP’s serious and organised crime group, said: “These men terrified staff as they targeted the shop and brandished weapons before further escalating their offending with no regard for the safety of innocent people going about their daily lives.

“We quickly made arrests and I am keen to speak to any witnesses who saw the men in the area at this time, or anyone who has information to pass on.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 2095, 101 quoting incident number 973 29/08/17 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.