Appeal for witnesses after Wigan armed raid

1:16pm Thursday 17th April 2008

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Police are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery at a shop in Wigan.

Two men, one armed with a handgun, the other with a knife, entered the One Stop shop on Church Lane at 6am on Saturday, April 5, and threatened two members of staff.

One worker was forced to lie on the floor while the other was ordered to empty the till.

During the robbery a shopper, who had come into the store, was punched in the head and forced to lie on the floor. The shopper received minor injuries.

The raiders then emptied a large number of cigarettes into a blue duvet cover before fleeing.

One of the offenders is described as white, 6ft tall and of slim build. He was wearing a balaclava, white cardigan and blue jeans. He spoke with a local accent and was carrying the gun.

The second offender is described as white, between 5ft 7in and 5ft 8in tall, of medium to stocky build. He was wearing a grey top and blue tracksuit trousers. He spoke with a local accent and was carrying a kitchen knife.

Detective Constable Barrie Murphy of Wigan CID said: "These offenders had a clear agenda to steal as much as possible when they entered the shop. Not only did they subject staff to a needless, terrifying ordeal, they assaulted an innocent shopper.

"I would appeal to anyone who knows who is responsible or who may have been offered cigarettes by anyone matching the description of the two offenders to contact police."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Wigan CID on 0161 856 5307 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.