ARMED robbers brandishing axes and crowbars who brought terror to the town centre by targeting a pawnbrokers had stolen their getaway motorbikes in Bolton earlier in the day.

One day on from the terrifying daylight raid at H&T Pawnbrokers in Newport Street, and police are stepping up their efforts to catch the gang, who escaped with a "large amount of jewellery". 

But, The Bolton News understands that the robbery is not being linked to an almost identical one committed on Thursday in Manchester city centre at Arthur Kay and Bro.

On that occasion two men on a green motorbike were behind the robbery, with the Bolton raid 24 hours later possibly a “copycat” offence.

Police have described the raid in Bolton as “brazen”, with the bikes stolen to use in this crime and they said finding them is essential.

No arrests have been made.

On Friday, three of the men went into the shop at 4.45pm armed with axes and crowbars, threatening staff and smashing cabinets before stealing a large amount of jewellery.

A fourth man waited outside armed with an axe, before the gang of armed robbers fled on the two stolen motorbikes, which were a black Yamaha and black Suzuki Enduro.

They were taken from separate address in Bolton earlier in the day.

A heroic passerby who witnessed the robbery tried to knock the gang off their bikes with a billboard, only for one bike to hit him.

The 66-year-old man was taken to hospital but has since been discharged with minor injuries.

Quick-thinking members of the public took pictures of the robbers with their phones which have been handed to police.

The four robbers are described as wearing dark, waterproof clothing. One of the men was wearing yellow reflective hi-vis trousers. They were all wearing motorbike helmets.

Det Sgt Iqbal Ahmed from GMP’s Bolton division said: “These robbers have brazenly committed this robbery in broad daylight on a pedestrianised street, stealing a large amount of jewellery from the store.

“Passersby on Newport Street had no doubt as to what these offenders were up to and were obviously infuriated by what they could see unfolding before their eyes. One man courageously tried to stop the robbers as they made off, while a number of other members of the public took photos on their phones, which they sent to police and which we are now issuing in an appeal to identify these individuals.

“I would like to thank all of these people for their bravery and for taking a stand against these criminals, however, I would also urge people to be conscious of their safety in incidents such as this and to not unnecessarily put themselves in danger. Thankfully the man knocked over by the bike was not seriously injured.

“These two bikes were stolen for the specific purpose of being used in this crime – I am appealing for anyone who may have seen the bikes either shortly before or after the robbery, or who may know where they are being kept now, to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police at Scholey Street police station on 0161 856 5594 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.