Courier endures 'terrifying ordeal' as armed robbers fire weapon but leave empty-handed
The robbers fired a weapon into the air but only took an empty cash box before setting fire to their getaway vehicle.
Wednesday 25 September 2019 19:40, UK
Video of a "terrifying ordeal" for a cash courier who was robbed at gunpoint in Manchester has been released by police.
The robbers, both wearing balaclavas, fired a weapon into the air but got away with nothing but an empty cash box.
In the CCTV, a man dressed all in black is seen pointing a gun at the courier who appears to be pleading with them.
The firearm was fired into the air and the courier was left unharmed.
A second man wearing black trousers and a grey hoodie appears to take something from the courier's hand.
Police were called shortly before 2.20pm to the incident outside Barclays bank on Liverpool Road, Cadishead, Salford, on Monday afternoon.
The robbers drove off in a purple VW Golf with the stolen cash box, before setting fire to the vehicle nearby.
The courier, who "is recovering well", was praised by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) for his "remarkably calm handling of the situation".
Sergeant Karl Dalton of GMP's Salford District said: "As the footage shows - this was a terrifying ordeal to live through for the cash-in-transit courier.
"Thanks in part to his remarkably calm-handling of the situation, he was left unharmed and despite the psychological impact of crimes like this, he is recovering well.
"The footage we have released is very clear. While the men have their faces covered, we're confident that someone may recognise them.
"The car they left in is also quite distinctive. Did you see it in the area prior to or after the incident?
"Even the smallest piece of information can often be enough to help officers solve crimes like this. If you know something that can assist us, please get in touch as soon as possible."
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5168 or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.