Woman beaten in armed raid

A CCTV still from Chadderton Cricket and Bowling Club shows the three armed men

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A WOMAN has been left traumatised after she was viciously beaten during an armed robbery at a popular social club.

The staff member was grabbed by the neck by one of three men who forced their way into Chadderton Cricket and Bowling Club, off Lancaster Street.

The woman was forced to open the strongroom at the site and despite following the attacker's requests was forcibly dragged to the ground and beaten with a metal-ended snooker cue rest on two occasions.

Secretary and executive officer at the club, known locally as the Big Cot, Stephen Simms said: "The beating of a member of staff was both savage and gratuitous.

"They took money and ordered her to give them a safe key even after she had told them she did not have it they kept beating her. The violence was unnecessary."

One man who carried a crow went behind the bar and demanded cash. The three men, two of whom wore balaclavas, stole money from the site and made off through the main entrance.

During the raid, one of the men prevented customers from leaving the club. There were around seven customers in the club at the time.

The female member of staff was taken to hospital after the attack but has since returned home. However, she was left traumatised with severe bruising to her face and body, police said.

Mr Simms said: "It has affected all of the staff as well as club members.

"These people need to be put away for a long time. They need stopping before they kill somebody.

"If anyone knows anything please contact the police or call Crimestoppers anonymously."

Police are appealing for information following the incident on Sunday, January 15, at around 11.30pm.

South Chadderton resident Sheila Smith said: "I feel a little unsafe walking in the dark since these armed robberies.

"I have lived in Chadderton for three years and it's generally a quiet area but I fear that it may happen again."

Detective constable Lisa Allum, of Greater Manchester Police's Oldham borough CID, said: "This was a violent incident which left a member of staff with some nasty injuries and badly shaken.

"Customers who went out to enjoy a relaxing evening in their local club were left in shock by the distressing ordeal they were forced to witness.

"I am appealing to anyone who believes they have any information about this crime to please get in touch as soon as possible to help us bring these offenders to justice."

Two of the men are of medium build and average height and wore dark clothing.

The third man was also of medium build but shorter than his accomplices. He wore grey clothing.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161-856 9080 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.