Pump-action Shotgun Raid

Published 8th Jan 2016

Detectives have released CCTV images of the moment a man armed with a pump-action shotgun stormed into Asda in Leigh and stole a cash security box.

At around 6.17am on Friday 8 January 2016, a Loomis security van attended Asda on Priesteners Way, Leigh.

When the driver entered the store, a man pointed a shotgun at him and demanded he hand over the cash box he was carrying.

After snatching the cash box, the robber got into a light-blue Ford Focus and drove off along Atherleigh Way in the direction of Atherton.

The offender is described as male, of heavy build, wearing dark tracksuit-style trousers, possibly Adidas or similar with stripes running down each leg, a dark jacket with blue-lined hood, a high visibility vest over the jacket and dark footwear.

He was wearing a full-faced black balaclava.

Detective Inspector Martin Reddington said: ā€œThis was a particularly daring robbery, considering the man was apparently acting alone.

ā€œFortunately no one was injured, but the security guard was obviously left extremely shaken.

ā€œThe clothing the offender was wearing was quite distinct, so I am hoping that someone may recognise the clothing and come forward with some information.

ā€œSimilarly, we would like any people who actually witnessed the robbery, or may have seen anything suspicious on the retail park in recent days, to come forward.ā€

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 080116/257 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.