Update following two robberies in Ellesmere Port

A 42-year-old local man has now been arrested in relation to these incidents.

The man has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of robbery and possession of a knife in a public place. 

He is currently being questioned by officers in police custody.

The first incident at around 12.30pm on Saturday 11 December when a 77-year-old woman had her handbag snatched by a unknown man as she was walking back to her car on Heathfield Road.

After stealing the bag the offender ran off down an alleyway onto Oldfield Road.

The second incident occurred at around 7.45pm on Sunday 12 December on the footpath between Wellesley Avenue and Arthur Avenue. 

Once again, the offender came from behind and snatched the victim’s handbag. 

However, on this occasion the victim, a 49-year-old woman, attempted to stop the offender and was head-butted by the man causing her to fall to the floor.

On the second incident, the suspect was described as white, aged in his late 20s, around 5’ 6” tall and of medium build.

He was wearing a black tracksuit, a Berghaus style coat and had a black snood covering his face. 

Enquiries in relation to both of the incidents are ongoing and as part of their investigation, officers are keen to hear from anyone with any information.

Detectives Sergeant Kevin Green, of Ellesmere Port CID, said: “Enquiries in relation to these incidents are ongoing and at this stage we are keeping an open mind as to whether the two cases are linked. 

“As part of our enquiries we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area where these incidents occurred and believes they may have witnessed anything suspicious.

“The same goes for anyone with any video footage that may be relevant to our investigation.

“I’d urge anyone with any information, no matter how small, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information or CCTV footage that may help the ongoing investigation should contact Cheshire Police on 101, or at:

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua

... quoting IML 1154586.

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