Two people arrested following a series of armed robberies across Runcorn and Frodsham

Detectives investigating a series of knife point robberies in Runcorn and Frodsham have arrested two people.

The 30-year-old man and 27-year-old woman from Runcorn were both arrested at around 11.30pm on Wednesday 14 July at a hotel in Warrington.

The man, who is from the Frodsham area, has been arrested on suspicion of four counts of robbery and two counts of burglary.

The woman, who is from Runcorn, has been arrested on suspicion of one count of robbery.

The pair remain in police custody at this time where they are being questioned by officers.

Chief Inspector Mike Ankers: “I understand that these incidents are likely have caused concern in the community and I hope that these arrests provide reassurance for local residents.”

 The robbery arrests relate to the following incidents –

• Saturday 10 July - Runcorn Expressway Service Station on Thomas Jones Way.
• Sunday 11 July – Spar, Palacefield
• Monday 12 July – One Stop shop, Helsby
• Wednesday 14 – Townfield Lane, Frodsham

 The burglaries relate to the following

• Stenhills Crescent, Runcorn
• Brereten Close, Runcorn

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Detectives are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following two armed robberies at stores in Runcorn.

The first incident occurred at around 11.45pm on Saturday 10 July when an unknown man entered Runcorn Expressway Service Station on Thomas Jones Way.

The man, who was armed with a knife, threatened staff and demanded they opened the till. He then stole a quantity of cash before fleeing the scene.

The second incident took place at around 6.40pm on Sunday 11 July when a man entered the Spar store on Palacefields.

Once inside the man threatened staff with a knife before fleeing the store with a quantity of cash.

On both occasions the suspect was described as a white man about 6’ tall and  of slim build.

In the first incident the suspect was described as wearing dark clothing and a blue surgical face mask.

During the incident in Palacefields the man was wearing a hoody, tracksuit bottoms, trainers and a blue surgical face mask..

Enquires in relation to the incidents are ongoing and officers are keen to hear from anyone with any information which may aid their investigation.

Detective Constable Maurizio Lucchesi, of Runcorn Local Policing unit, said: “These incidents are clearly concerning and we are committed to doing all that we can to trace the people responsible.

“At this time we are keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents are linked and as part of our investigation we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time these incidents occurred and believes they may have witnessed something that may be relevant to our enquiries.

“The same goes for anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage which may aid our investigation.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire police on 101 quoting IML 1034298, or visit:

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.

Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.