Teenage gang robbed shopkeeper at knifepoint

A terrified shopkeeper was threatened with a knife during a robbery by three hooded youths, police have said.

Two 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old stole money from the till at Harry's Off Licence on Beverley Road in Bolton at about 20:00 GMT on 5 January, said Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

The teenagers were quickly arrested after they booked a taxi away from the scene.

All three admitted robbery, with one of them also pleading guilty to possessing a bladed instrument. At Bolton Magistrates' Court they were all given community and intensive youth referral orders and told to pay compensation.

GMP said one of the 17-year-olds waved a knife in the shopkeeper's face while the till was robbed.

Ch Insp Chris Boyd said: "This was an awful and frightening incident and although the victim remained calm throughout, he must have been terrified, especially having a knife pushed towards him during this ordeal.

"I must commend the swift and joined-up investigation from officers in the Bolton district.

"Following a report of a robbery, CID were asked to make some enquiries while our uniformed colleagues attended to obtain a report, CCTV evidence and a statement from the victim.

"Information shared from uniformed colleagues' enquiries allowed detectives to focus on local taxi firms.

"It was established that the suspects had been collected from an address near to the offence location earlier in the evening.

"Detectives were notified that the suspects had booked another taxi and this was relayed to uniformed colleagues, who were waiting for the suspects, who were identified and arrested.

"Officers also recovered the stolen property and the weapon used in the offence."

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