UK: Mother and toddler held at gunpoint on morning school run

A mother and her toddler were held at gunpoint in a street robbery during a morning school run in Manchester. They were walking along a street in Sale, Greater Manchester at 9.15am on 20 November when a hooded gunman ordered the woman to give him her handbag. He then threatened the toddler, aged three, with the gun.

While both mother and child were unhurt, they were said to have been left very distressed following the robbery, The Independent reports.

Detective Inspector Helen Bell from the Greater Manchester Police's Trafford Division said: "Luckily no one was hurt in this terrifying robbery. We are taking this very seriously and we currently have officers in the area tracing where the man went.

"The robbery happened during a busy time with lots of people around, so we are sure there will be people who can help us with this investigation. We are appealing for anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant they think it may be, to get in touch".

Sale Moor councillor Mike Freeman who is a governor at nearby Springfield Primary School said: "This sort of robbery where a child is threatened, is truly shocking - especially in a place like Sale and so close to a school. So many children and parents walk along that road.

"The police response has been fantastic. We just want to reassure people about their safety. I'm a governor at the school, so I'm keen to reassure people after this horrific incident. The police are doing everything they can."

The suspect is described as a white man, with a tan, around 5ft 8in, with green eyes and wearing a baggy dark grey hoodie and grey trousers.

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 8567662 or independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.