A GANG armed with a gun have raided three properties in Warrington within a week – threatening the occupants inside and stealing valuables.  

The series of armed robberies, which took place last month, are under investigation by Cheshire Police.

Three incidents were reported to officers – two at houses in the town and one at a business. 

Police say a number of offenders have broken into the properties, threatened the occupants inside with a suspected gun and have stolen cash and mobile phones. 

Officers believe the robberies are linked and have appealed to the public for information. 

Detective Inspector Matt Durcan said: “I want to reassure local people that we are doing all we can to trace those responsible. 

"We take any incidents of this nature extremely seriously and we will do all we can to locate the offenders and ensure they are brought to justice."

The first incident took place at a property on Lewis Avenue, Dallam, on April 21 at around 11pm. 

Two men wearing dark clothing entered the property via an unlocked front window.

They searched the property, threatened the occupants who were inside and stole cash and a mobile phone before fleeing the scene. 

The men spoke with north west accents.

One of the suspects was described as tall, of slim build and had dark brown eyes.

The second incident took place at a property on Albert Road, Grappenhall, on April 25 shortly before 10pm. 

Three men, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, forced their way in via the front door. 

They searched the property, threatened the occupants and stole a handbag containing a quantity of cash and a mobile phone before fleeing the scene. 

One of the suspects is described as having dark hair, black bushy eyebrows, was around 5ft 9inchs and of slim build. 

He spoke with a north west accent. 

The second man is described as being around 6ft and of slim build. 

He spoke in a deep voice with a north west accent. 

The third incident took place at Poplars Hotel on Cotswold Road on April 27 around 3am. 

Two men forced their way into the house via the front door. 

They threatened the occupant and stole a mobile phone.

A quantity of cash was stolen from the tills in the bar.

The pair were wearing dark clothing, gloves and had their hoods up and scarves covering their faces. 

DI Durcan added: “It has not been established whether the firearms were real or imitation. 

"They were not discharged and no injuries were reported but understandably everyone involved has been left very shaken by their ordeal."

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.