TWO arrests have been made in connection with a series of armed robberies.

A 30-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were detained at a hotel late last night, Wednesday, following the string of incidents in Runcorn, Frodsham and Helsby.

The first robbery occurred at the Runcorn Expressway Service Station on Thomas Jones Way at around 11.45pm on Saturday, July 10, when a man wearing a surgical face mask threatened staff with a knife and demanded that they open the till.

He stole a quantity of cash from the premises before fleeing.

Another attack occurred the following day at the Spar shop in Palacefields, with a masked man brandishing a knife again having threatened employees before taking cash.

Further robberies then occurred at a One Stop in Helsby on Monday, July 12, and on Townfield Lane in Frodsham on Wednesday, July 14.

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 man, from Frodsham, was held on suspicion of four counts of robbery and two of burglary – the latter allegations relating to break-ins on Stenhills Crescent and Brereton Close in Runcorn.

Meanwhile the woman, from Runcorn, was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Both suspects remain in custody for questioning at present.

A Cheshire Police spokesman added: “Detectives investigating a series of knifepoint 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, July 14, 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.”