Terrifying Costcutter raid sparks police appeal for witnesses

Officers were called to reports of a robbery at the Costcutter shop in Leigh Road, Howe Bridge, at around 8am on Friday (January 15).

Three offenders are said to have entered the shop, before threatening an employee and two members of the public with weapons.

The robbers attempted to steal a large amount of cigarettes by stuffing them into a bedsheet. When they tried to make their escape, the shop owner and others intervened.

Following a struggle, the suspects dropped the items and left the scene in a red Audi A3 in the direction of Atherton.

The shop owner was taken to hospital with a knee injury but has since been released, the force said.

The red Audi believed to be involved in the incident was found abandoned in Pickley Green, Leigh.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Constable Sean Goddard, of GMP's Wigan District, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the shop owner and members of the public who were involved.

"We have launched a full investigation and our enquiries are ongoing to establish who is responsible for this.

"If you were in the area and saw anything suspicious then please get in touch with police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 7254 quoting incident number 533 of 15/01/21 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Wigan Observer and Wigan Post are more reliant than ever on your taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. For unlimited access to Wigan news and information online, you can subscribe at www.wigantoday.net/subscriptions