POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery at the the Woodthorpe Hotel.

Officers believe the raid could be linked to a series of robberies across Greater Manchester.

Police are investigating robberies at eight separate properties.

The robbery at the Woodthorpe Hotel in Bury Old Road, Prestwich, took place on January 2.

Five occurred at sports clubs, while others took place at social clubs and licenced premises. They were committed between October 2016 and January 2017.

The first crime happened at Rochdale Cricket, Lacrosse and Squash Club at around 1.55am on Sunday, October 2.

The most recent happened at around 11.30pm on Sunday, January 15, when three men forced their way into Chadderton Cricket and Bowling Club on Bowling Green Lane.

Detective Roger Smethurst, of GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, said: “What started as a handful of seemingly isolated robberies has become a noticeable trend, predominantly at sports and social clubs and often around closing time. “Some of these crimes have been extremely violent, leaving staff with injuries and customers totally distressed by what they have been forced to witness.

“I am appealing to witnesses to any of the incidents, or anyone who believes they have any information, to please get in touch.

“I would also like to remind people involved in the running or management of sports clubs, social clubs and licenced premises in remote locations to be aware of their security at this time of heightened risk.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 6427 or 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.