Terrifying armed robbery at salon

ATTACKED . . .Gill Neill, manager of Designer Skin tanning shop.

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A SALON manager has described the terrifying moment two men burst into the shop and threatened her with nine-inch knives.

Gill Neill, who manages Designer Skin in Hollins Road, Hollinwood, was alone - save for one customer in the back - when the armed robbers came into the salon at about 6pm on Wednesday.

They demanded Gill hand them the money in the till, which she did, and then demanded keys to a safe. One of them grabbed her and punched her repeatedly in the face when she insisted she had no keys and that she had given them all the money there was in the shop.

A male customer came out from the back room and was told to go back by the robbers.

When he refused to leave the two men ran out of the salon and down Houghton Avenue.

Police were called and arrived on the scene a short while later.

But defiant Gill did not let the ordeal stop her from coming in to work the following day.

Gill, 42, said: "I was shaken, angry. They were only 5ft 5in. If they hadn't had that knife then I would have held them back. But they did have a knife ­- I've got children and a grandson to think of.

"I've worked here for a long time. I'm thinking, if it's somebody who knows me they will know they frightened me if if I stay off. I don't want to be staying at home thinking over and over again what could have happened and what didn't happen.

"I would rather be here and be kept busy."

A neighbour phoned Gill and claims two males went past his home on bikes. His description of them seemed to match Gill's description of the offenders.

Salon owner Nicola Barrett was not in the shop at the time but has been reviewing the CCTV footage, which she has now given to the police.

She said: "We have had the shop for 15 years. I've never had one bit of problem. This is the first incident we have had.

"They took all the money, which we're not bothered about, but the damage done to Gill.

"She gave him the money so there was no need to punch her in the face. It was only £120 ­- I think they expected a lot more, so one of them punched her. He punched her in the face three times.

"She was still working the next day ­- she is a trooper.

"It was very frightening. I feel more for Gill. It has shaken everyone up. It's nothing we have experienced before.

"I'm just thinking of what could have happened. Gill has worked for me for a long time, for ten years.

"At the end of the day her life is more important than anything in the shop."

The offenders were described as 5ft 5in and both wearing dark clothing and possibly mixed race.

One of the males wore a dark hoodie with a beige jacket while the other wore dark clothing with a dark hoodie under a jacket. One had his face covered completely while the other only partially hid his face and was described as having a scruffy or wispy beard.

GMP confirmed that they were called to the scene shortly after 6pm to reports of an armed robbery. Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8825 or 101 quoting 1732 on December 14.