Stockport jewellery store staff threatened by armed raiders

A jewellery store in Stockport, Manchester, has been hit by armed raiders who are believed to have stolen money and jewellery from the shop before driving off.

The incident occurred at around 4.40pm on Tuesday September 22 2015, when police were called to reports of an armed robbery at a jewellers on Heaton Moor Road, Stockport.

Officers said three men armed with a sledge hammer and circular saw had entered the store and threatened staff before stealing money and jewellery and driving off in a black Subaru Forester.

Police are now appealing for witnesses and have released images of a car that was stolen from Rochdale and may have been used during the armed robbery.

At 2.15am earlier that day, three men stole a black Subaru Forester 2001 STI Type M from a commercial garage on Hill Street, Rochdale.

Shortly before 10:40pm on the same night of the robbery, the car stolen from the garage in Rochdale was found burnt on Brayside road in Withington.

The description of the car involved in each incident is described by police as black Subaru Forester with gold coloured alloys and no registration plates. Officers said that they believe the incidents are linked.

Detective Constable Matt Tarr said: “Given the timeline and the fact that the descriptions of the cars involved in both incidents are very distinctive, we believe that it is the same one.

“The car would have most definitely stood out to any member of the public who saw it drive by as it had no registration plates and is a limited edition vehicle. If anybody thinks they may have seen it then please contact the police.”

Anybody with information has been urged to contact the Stockport North Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0161 856 5902 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.