This is the shocking moment an armed robber threatened staff at a petrol station before firing a bullet into the ceiling.
The robber walked into the Shell Greengate Service Station, in Middleton, carrying a gun.
In a CCTV clip, released by Greater Manchester Police, the man is seen walking to the till with the weapon.
He brandished the gun at the shop assistant before he pointed it at the ceiling and fired.
The man left after stealing bottles of wine and tobacco from inside.
He returned a short time later and attempted to get into the till from the counter, but dropped the gun.
The robber then fled on foot, towards Main Way.
Nobody was hurt during the incident, but staff were said to have been left shaken.
Police later seized the gun which was left behind and it has been sent for forensic analysis.
Detectives are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with further information to come forward.
The incident took place shortly before 10pm on Wednesday, May 27.
Detective Sergeant Richard Shelton, of GMP’s Rochdale division, said: “This was a frightening incident which has left a number of people feeling anxious and fearful.
“We are treating this robbery very seriously and investigating all available lines of enquiry. In his attempt to flee, the offender left his gun behind which has been seized and sent for forensic analysis by our officers.
“We have released CCTV footage of the incident and are hopeful that there are a number of witnesses who may be able to help with our investigation.
“I am asking for anyone who was in the area at the time and may have any information at all, no matter how small you may think it is, to get in touch with police as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information about the robbery should call police on 0161 856 4668, quoting incident number 3121 of 27/05/2020. Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
