Staff member attacked by gang at garden centre

A man in his 60s was attacked and tied up by a gang of masked men in a robbery at Daisy Nook Garden Centre which has been described as "traumatic" and "shocking" by police.

The man, who was a staff member, was threatened with a crowbar by four masked men who entered the garden centre on Stannybrook Road in Failsworth at around 5pm on Thursday, February 13, and demanded cash. 

The staff worker was assaulted in the face and forced to open the shop safe, before being tied up by the men.

The gang stole a large quantity of cash, the store’s CCTV system and the man’s mobile phone before fleeing by unknown means with the stolen items.

All four men, who were wearing dark clothing and face masks, are described as all having a tall and slim build. They also are believed to speak with local accents.

The man in his 60s was left with minor injuries to his face but didn’t require hospital treatment.

Police say no arrests have been made and are now asking the public for information.

Detective Sergeant Alex Wilkinson, of GMP’s Oldham division, said: "The traumatic experience this innocent man faced is beyond unacceptable and we are determined to ensure that the men who committed this shocking crime are found and brought to justice.

"Despite the shop closing around the time of the incident, it was a busy time of day on the roads and we urge anyone who was around the area and may have dash cam or CCTV footage to check if there is any sign of the men described or any suspicious vehicles that may have been passing through the Failsworth area.

"No one should have to endure what the victim went through while at their place of work and we want anyone with information to come forward and help catch these callous cowards." 

Anyone with any information should contact police on 0161 856 8962, quoting incident number 2189 of 13/02/2020.

Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.