No-one was hurt but the suspect made off with a ‘quantity of cash’

10:52, 26 Apr 2026Updated 11:08, 26 Apr 2026

Police at the scene on Liverpool Street, Irlam(Image: Submitted)

An armed robbery suspect was arrested at Manchester Airport trying to leave the country after holding up a bookies, police said.

Police were called to a ‘business robbery’ in Irlam, Salford on Friday. The robber entered a business, thought to be a William Hill bookmakers – on Liverpool Street, armed with a BB gun.

They made off with a ‘quantity of cash’ after threatening staff. No-one was hurt. A suspected BB gun was recovered at the scene.

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A 22-year-old man was arrested at about 4am today (April 26) trying to board a flight to Frankfurt in Germany. He remains in police custody and is being questioned.

Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: “Officers have arrested a robbery suspect attempting to leave the country via Manchester Airport. The 22-year-old man had been wanted in connection with a business robbery on Liverpool Street, Irlam, on Friday (24/4/26).

“He was arrested early this morning at about 4am attempting to board a flight to Frankfurt.

“The suspect entered the premises at just after 5pm on Friday where staff were threatened and a quantity of cash stolen. We recovered a suspected BB gun at the scene, where, thankfully no-one was injured.”

Detective Sergeant Stacey Nolan, of Salford CID, said: “Following an investigation, we identified a suspect and he was circulated as wanted. We were alerted by Border Force that he was attempting to leave the country and he was arrested by officers at the airport.

“He is now in custody being questioned on suspicion of robbery. This arrest shows how we can work with our partners, including Border Force, to bring offenders to justice.

“This is still a live investigation – anyone with any information that could help us should call us on 101 quoting log 2672 of 24/4/25 – alternatively use our online LiveChat service or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”