Marple forces club robbery.

[Rachael]

Its terrible that this happened in the first place.

Its good if people have been arrested, but it would make the whole situation more sad if it was people from our own community that have commited this act of crime.

But as you say, it is just a rumour

[jet]

Rumours are circulating that two local lads have been arested in connection with the Marple forces club robbery.

[heather]

hope al and christine recover soon

[jet]

I did not see any Press annoucement for the venue of Dannys wake although it was common knowledge locally.

[tina]

Why would they be local? It was advertised in the paper that the wake of poor Danny would be at the British Legion. It's a very sad thing to of happened and I wish Al and Christine a quick recovery x

[jet]

These cowardly armed thugs(scum)have got to be local.

[wolfman]

Violent thugs cash in after hero soldier's funeral
Alex Scapens
11/ 2/2009


THE family of fallen Royal Marine, Danny Winter, have blasted cowardly armed thugs who tried to cash in on the heroic soldier’s funeral.

A gang of three masked men struck at Marple Forces and Social Club, on Lime Kiln Lane, on Monday (February 9) just after midnight.

They repeatedly smashed club steward Al Stonall with a hammer before leaving him unconscious in the snow with blood gushing from his head.

Both the club and Danny’s family are convinced the gang deliberately targeted the club just two days after it hosted his wake in the hope of making off with takings from the hundreds of mourners.

Danny’s mum Carolyn Hughes and step-dad Jez Arthur said: "We think it is deplorable. It was the wake for such a brave man and a fitting tribute for a man who laid his life down.

"So for a bunch of cowards to go up and take the money is disgusting. It has left a sour taste in the mouth because the steward had done so much for us, the staff up there were excellent.

"If anyone knows anything we would appeal for them to come forward because Danny put his life on the line for people to be decent and upstanding."

One of the gang - who had severed the club’s phonelines - attacked Mr Stonall as he was de-icing his car before leaving.

Mr Stonall fought back and pinned the robber down but then two more appeared carrying a hammer and a machete.

Three savage blows left him with gaping head wounds and a broken arm, which will need to have a metal plate inserted.

The thugs then went inside and forced Al’s partner Christine to empty the safe before tying her up in the cellar and escaping with around £1,500.

Mr Stonall, 52, of Marple, said: "It makes me angry they have come in and taken the money. We think it is because of the funeral which makes it even worse.

"What can these people respect if they can’t respect that? I was smacked over the head with a hammer and left for dead but that’s nothing compared to what Danny’s family have been through."

After falling victim to a robbery last year, the club now banks regularly, so much of the bar takings had already gone.

Police are investigating, and urging anyone with information to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
from Stockport express website