A cash machine was blown up by gang who struck at a covenience store. Three men attacked the ATM at the Co-op in Castleton, Rochdale last night and escaped with a "substantial" amount.
The sound of the explosion was heard by nearby residents. One resident said: "When we heard the loud explosion at home, we looked out the front door, to see three lads running away from the Co op. My partner went down to the Co op and saw the smoke. He asked a worker there what had happened, who said men had gone in with a hammer telling them to get out and blew up the cash machine."
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The attack happened just before 9.30pm yesterday evening (Monday 24 April 2023), at a shop on the corner of Grosvenor Street and Leonard Street. Detectives believe that two or three men entered the convenience store and threatened staff before asking them to leave the shop then created a small explosion to remove the cash machine from the premises.
Specialist officers were in attendance on Grosvenor Street to secure the area. In a statement GMP said: "A substantial amount of cash was taken, and no arrests have been made as of yet."
Detective Inspector Stuart Round from GMP’s Rochdale CID, said: “We are doing all we can to identify those involved as we continue to investigate at pace and establish the full circumstances of this incident. This was a carefully planned and brazen attack, where those involved showed a complete disregard for the property and other members of the public. Thankfully, no one was injured.
“Through initial enquiries, detectives believe that the men were seen leaving railway approach in Rochdale in the direction of Middleton. If you were in the area at the time of this incident and have any information that could help our enquiries, please get in touch with us. Any information could be crucial to our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 0161 856 8719, or using GMP’s LiveChat facility on www.gmp.police.uk.
The Co-op were asked for a comment.
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