Police appeal for information following series of robberies in Blackley and Moston

Officers are appealing for information following a series of robberies which have taken place between 1 October 2023 and 27 October 2023 in the Blackley/ Moston areas of Manchester.

Police believe the same person is responsible for all the incidents based on the clothing worn during at least three of the robberies.

During each incident, a man has entered the store wearing gloves, a face covering, and a mask which disguised his identity, before threatening a staff member with a suspected knife. He has then taken cash in a black bin liner.

The black bag / bin liner has been used every time and the person has then made off on foot on each occasion.

Three of these incidents have occurred between 8 and 10.30am and only one has occurred at night, around 10.30pm. The latest incident occurred at around 6.30am.

The robberies occurred on Sunday 1 October at a store on Victoria Avenue, on Thursday 5 October at store on Haverfield Road, on Sunday 8 October at a store on Victoria Avenue, and on Sunday 22 October at a store on Victoria Avenue. The most recent incident occurred this morning (27 October 2023) at a  store on Hill Lane, Blackley. During this incident, a worker received a minor injury.

Officers are now appealing for anyone who witnessed any of these incidents to come forward and assist their investigation.

They have released a photo of a man they would like to speak to, as they believe he could help with their enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Qadir Hussain, from GMP's City of Manchester district, said: "We have been utilising all lines of enquiry as we investigate these robberies, and I want to reassure the community that we are determined to find the person responsible.

"I appreciate the images are not of the best quality and do not show a facial image, but I would urge anyone with any information who may have been in the area at the time  to please come forward, as it could aid our investigation."

“No matter how small the information may seem, it could prove vital to this investigation.”

Information can be shared via 101 or 0161 856 1146, quoting the log number CRI/06A1/0033969.

You can also report information to GMP's website using the ‘report’ tool: www.gmp.police.uk

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.