ARMED raiders targeted two shops within half an hour in late night attacks yesterday, Thursday.

Detectives are linking the raids in Birchwood and Lymm which saw men threaten staff with weapons.

The first incident attack happened at 10.30pm when three unknown armed men attempted to force their way into McColl’s on Admirals Road in Birchwood.

Warrington Guardian:

McColls in Admirals Road

The men, all wearing dark clothing and armed with a weapon, were banging on the door, threatening staff and demanding that they let them inside.

Staff immediately called police and the offenders fled the scene empty handed.

At around 11pm, two men wearing black clothing and balaclavas entered Sainsbury’s convenience store on The Cross in Lymm via the main entrance.

Warrington Guardian:

The Cross in Lymm

The men, who were both carrying weapons, approached the counter and demanded that the two store workers opened the tills and the safe.

The pair, who were both described as having Manchester accents, then stole cash before leaving a car.

Nobody was injured in either of the two incidents.

DC John Parry said: “These were terrifying incidents for all those involved and I want to reassure the community 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.

“Extensive enquiries are being carried out in a bid to piece together as much information as we can about these incidents, which we believe could be linked.

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“I would appeal to anyone who has any information regarding any of these incidents to come forward. Even the smallest amount of information can be useful when piecing together a case.

“The same goes for any motorists with a dashcam who may have any footage which may aid the investigation.”

Anyone with any information in relation to the incidents is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number IML-474071 for the incident in Birchwood or IML-474103 for the incident in Lymm.

Information can also be reported via our website on cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries/ or anonymously, via Crimestopper, on 0800 555111.

Dashcam footage can be submitted online at cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage.