CCTV footage released of man wielding knife at drivers in petrol station

Police have released dramatic CCTV footage of a knife-wielding man who threatened a number of people on a petrol forecourt.

Armed with the large weapon, the offender attempted to get into a number of cars at the Texaco petrol station in Oldham Road, Failsworth, Oldham.

He damaged a number of vehicles, including smashing the windscreen of a taxi, before he made off.

Police are appealing for information about the incident which took place shortly after 8.45pm on Friday February 22.

The man is described as 6ft and of average build. He was wearing denim jeans and boots with a white trim. He wore a brown or black bubble jacket over a hoody top, which had the hood pulled up. The jacket had a large Union Jack motif on the front.

Detective Constable Kate Carnally from Oldham CID said: "Thankfully no-one was injured during this incident at the petrol station, but staff and customers were understandably left terrified.

"The man's intentions as he carried out these threats are still unclear at this time but we continue to make extensive efforts to identify and trace the man responsible.

"If you recognise this man in the hooded top or if you have information as to his whereabouts now, please get in touch with police."

Anyone with information should call police in Oldham on 0161 856 8951 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

PA