Three arrested after armed robbery - Irlams O'th Heights, Salford
Police have arrested three men after an armed robbery at a Co-op supermarket in Salford. At about 6.20pm on Friday 19 September 2008, a dark-coloured BMW pulled up outside the Co-Op on Bolton Road, Irlams O'th Heights and four masked men got out.
The men, who were armed with machetes and hammers, then threatened staff and demanded cash.
A customer then confronted one of the robbers and attempted to disarm him. They all then fled empty-handed. However, on the way out of the shop they were sprayed by an in-store DNA sprinkler which covered their clothing in paint.
The BMW, which had earlier been stolen from Coniston Street, Salford, was later found burned out on Summerville Road, Salford.
Two 24-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy, all from Salford, were later arrested on suspicion of robbery and have been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Officers now want to hear from any witnesses, particularly if they saw the dark-coloured BMW being driven round Salford before it was found abandoned and burnt out.
Detective Sergeant Roger Smethurst of Swinton volume crime team said: "These robbers appeared to get more than they bargained for when they attempted to leave the store.
"They were sprayed by the DNA spinklers which covers them in a spray of fine paint which is almost impossible to remove.
"A large number of shops and off-licences in Salford now have these sprinkler systems, which should act as a deterrent to any would-be robbers."
Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Roger Smethurst at Volume crime team at Swinton on 0161 856 5250 or if wishing to remain anonymous use confidential Salford crime hot line 0800 0121 362.
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