Police hunt for axe-wielding robbers who rammed car to steal cash

The trio rammed their car into another vehicle that was transporting money yesterday afternoon, before threatening two men with the axes and fleeing.

The incident happened on Eldon Place, near Manningham Lane Retail Park, where the men were thought to have lay in wait for their victims.

At around 2.10pm a red Ford Focus was carrying cash to a local business when a silver Citroen Berlingo, which had been parked on Eldon Place, sped towards the Focus, smashing into it and bringing both cars to a standstill.

Two men in balaclavas then jumped out of the Citroen with axes and threatened to use them on the two men in the Ford, aged 50 and 26, if they did not hand over the cash.

They then returned to their car and sped off onto Manningham Lane, driving away from the city centre. The Citroen was found abandoned just under a mile away on Newport Place a short time later, and witnesses said they had seen three men, the third believed to be the getaway driver, running away.

The men have all been described as Asian and the vehicle is being examined for fingerprints and DNA.

The two victims were not injured.

Detective Inspector Stuart Lyons, from Bradford District CID, said: "‘I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the Citroen Berlingo vehicle in the time before the robbery took place, perhaps when it was making its way to or parking on Eldon Place. I also want anyone who may have seen the vehicle between Eldon Place and when it was abandoned on Newport Place to come forward.

‘‘The level of violence in this incident was significant and these men need to be arrested and brought before the courts. Fortunately, the two victims of this robbery were uninjured, but have been left understandably shocked by what took place and continue to be supported by officers.’’

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bradford District CID by calling 101 or by Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.