Police are hunting a gang of men who they believe are responsible for a string of recent car robberies across Oldham.

A total of seven vehicle robberies have been reported to police between Monday, June 12, and Wednesday, June 28.

It is believed the same group of men are threatening drivers with violence, in some instances using bladed articles, to steal the cars.

At around 12.30am on Friday, June 30 a car was reported stolen in the Bishops Park Car Park on Ship Lane in Delph.

The victim had been sitting in his parked car when an unknown group of approximately five men approached him, removed the keys from the ignition, and told him to get out of the car whilst threatening him.

Police have said that each robbery has taken place in an unlit area where there is no CCTV and have urged drivers to be vigilant when walking to their car at night.

So far, no injuries have been reported.

The robberies are being treated as linked and detectives are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a group of men wearing balaclavas in the Shaw area.

Detective Chief Inspector Lindsay Booth of GMP’s Oldham district, said: “All the incidents reported to us have followed a very similar pattern of offending, so we now believe these to have been committed by the same group of people.

“It is lucky no one has been injured during these incidents and we are urging the public to be vigilant, especially whilst walking to your car at night when its dark, these robberies are happening in unlit areas where there is an absence of CCTV.

“We are now in a position in our investigation where we can appeal to the public to help us identify those responsible and we are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed a group of men wearing balaclavas in the Shaw area of Oldham.

“If you have dash-cam or mobile footage or any information that you think could assist our investigation then please get in touch.

“No matter how insignificant you think the information might be, it could form a vital part of the investigation.”

Anyone with information – or footage – are urged to contact police on 0161 856 64521or 101 quoting log nine of 01/07/2023.

Alternatively, details can be passed via the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.