Robbers armed with metal bar steal van: Strangeways
(M8 - Saturday, 19 June, 2010)

Robbers threatened a van driver with a metal bar before stealing his vehicle.

At about 3.30pm on Thursday 27 May 2010, the victim - a 51-year-old man - was sitting in his white Mercedes Sprinter, registration FG56 LTU, at the car park at the junction of Wooley Street and Broughton Street, Strangeways.

Two men walked up to the van and ordered him to get out.

When he refused they smashed the driver's door window with a metal bar before stealing the van and driving off towards Derby Street.

The van was later found abandoned and burnt out on Pennon Close, Higher Broughton, at about 6.10pm that day.

The victim was uninjured but left shaken by the incident.

The first offender is described as:

• aged 25-years-old
• 6ft tall
• wearing s navy blue Adidas hooded top and matching track bottoms

The second offender is described as:

• 5ft 7in tall
• slim build

PC Gary McKendrick, based at Collyhurst police station, said:

"This man was minding his own business when he suddenly came under attack by two thugs intend on stealing his van.

"Thankfully he wasn't injured, but we want to catch these idiots before they strike again and potentially hurt someone.

"I want to hear from anyone who may have seen the van between 3.30pm and 6.10pm that day or two men acting suspiciously at the car park.

"It is used by hundreds of commuters everyday - maybe you saw something unusual as you returned to your car but dismissed it at the time.

"I would now urge you to get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to call police at Collyhurst on 0161 856 3923.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Wooley Street
Strangeways
Manchester
Lancashire
M8