A plucky pensioner was left with minor injuries after trying to stop a gang of axe-wielding robbers fleeing a Bolton jewellery store – by swinging a billboard at their bikes.
Police have released images of the four men, who targeted the store in Newport Street at around 4.45pm yesterday.
The gang, travelling on two stolen motorbikes, parked up outside the shop and one of the robbers waited outside while the other three went inside armed with axes and crowbars.
The trio threatened staff before smashing glass cabinets and stealing a large amount of jewellery.
A 66-year-old man who witnessed their escape received minor injuries trying to knock the robbers off their bikes with the billboard.
He was taken to hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.
LOOKOUT: One of the gang waited outside as the other three went into the shop
The four offenders are described as wearing dark, waterproof clothing. One was wearing yellow reflective hi-visibility trousers. They were all wearing motorbike helmets.
One of the two bikes, stolen from separate addresses in Bolton earlier that day, is identified as a Suzuki Enduro.
Detective Sergeant Iqbal Ahmed from GMP’s Bolton division said: “These robbers have brazenly committed this robbery in broad daylight on a pedestrianized street.
“Passers-by had no doubt as to what they were up to and were infuriated by what they saw unfolding before their eyes.”
Witnesses took a series of high quality photographs during the incident, clearly showing the men armed with axes outside the shop.
STOLEN: The gang used two bikes, both of which were stolen from different addresses earlier in the day
DS Ahmed said: “I would like to thank all of these people for their bravery and for taking a stand against these criminals. However, I would also urge people to be conscious of their safety in incidents such as this and to not unnecessarily put themselves in danger.”
Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the bikes before or after the robbery to get in touch.
Anyone with information can call police at Scholey Street police station on 0161 856 5594 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
