A masked gang threatened to hurt a 65-year-old man's dog unless he handed over expensive jewellery he was wearing in a 'terrifying' robbery in a park, police have revealed.
The man - who was walking his dogs before bed at the time - handed over a high-value watch, a gold and silver ring and a gold chain necklace, GMP said.
Police said he suffered 'minor injuries' in the ordeal at Grafton Street Park in Heaton Norris, Stockport. Detectives today issued a public appeal for information and issued descriptions of three men believed to be aged in their early 20s wanted for questioning.
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One was wearing a black surgical-type mask covering his face and another had a tattoo or a mole to the side of his right eye. Police were called to reports of a robbery in the park, off Lloyd Street, at around 11.30pm on Saturday, March 25. Details have only just been revealed.
In a statement, GMP said: "Police attended and it is believed that a 65-year-old man was walking his dogs in the park and was approached by three men in their early 20s. It is believed that grabbed one of his dogs threatening to harm it unless he handed over his jewellery and belongings.
"The 65- year-old man suffered minor injuries and subsequently handed over his property to the men. The items include a high-value watch, gold and silver ring and a gold neck chain."
PC James Seaborn, from GMP's Stockport district, said: "This has been a terrifying ordeal for the victim and this type of behaviour is not tolerated in Stockport. We're wanting to identify three men who we wish to speak to and may be able to help us with our enquiries.
"The first man is believed to be in his 20s and described as around 5ft 8ins tall of stocky build wearing a black hoody with the hood pulled over his head, a black scarf covering his face, grey tracksuit bottoms and blue Nike trainers.
"The second man is described as 6ft tall with white skin and of a larger build. He was described as having a tattoo or mole to the side of his right eye and was wearing a light grey hoody with the hood pulled over his head, a black scarf coving the bottom part of his face, light blue Nike tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.
"The third man is believed to be around 5ft 10ins tall and skinny, with a black surgical-type mask covering face, a black hoody with the hood pulled over his head, black pants and black Crocs.
"It is believed the men have then fled the area in opposite directions out of the park. There is an increased police presence in the area as officers continue to investigate this incident and teams are working diligently.
"We remind all residents to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially in public areas such as parks.
"I would urge people who were in the area at the time of the incident, or anyone who has mobile or CCTV or dashcam footage that may be of interest to police to contact us as a matter of urgency as they may have information which is vital to our investigation."
Call Stockport Neighbourhood Crime Team on 0161 856 9637 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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