Police investigating a violent robbery have released an image of a man

August 24, 2012, 11:53 am

Police investigating a violent robbery during which a man jumped into a moving ice cream van through the serving hatch have released an image of a man they want to trace.

Michael Synott (born 23/3/1993) is wanted in relation to the robbery on the ice cream man on Chain Road, Blackley, on Friday 23 March 2012.

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At about 6pm, the victim was driving his van along Symond Road when he noticed youths throwing bottles at his van.

He tried to speed away along Chain Road, but the offenders managed to catch up and one of them managed to jump into the moving ice cream van through the serving hatch.

He got the victim into a headlock and threatened to stab the victim if he didn’t stop the van.

The victim slammed on the brakes and the offender continued with his attack. The victim was trying to get out but the offender pinned him against the side of the van while another offender jumped into the van, again through the serving hatch, and stole cash.

The pair then ran off.

Detective Inspector Andrew Naismith said: “When this attack took place we carried out a thorough inquiry which has led us to believe that Synott has vital information for us.

“A number of inquiries have been made to trace him but still he remains at large.

“We would urge anyone with information as to his whereabouts to call us and we would like to make it clear that anyone who is found to be harbouring him faces a criminal investigation of their own.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3566 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.