A MAN has been charged following an attempted robbery at a Widnes jewellery shop.

Jack McKeown, aged 19, of no fixed abode, has been charged with one count of burglary. He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear before North Cheshire Magistrates′ Court today.

The charge follows an incident at Neil and Barker jewellers in Green Oaks shopping centre on Thursday, May 8 in which two men, armed with a sledgehammer, attempted to rob the premises.

One man was arrested at the scene, the other, dressed in dark clothing and wearing a balaclava, made off from the scene on a motorbike.

Police have thanked the public for their assistance following the incident, which took place shortly before 3.30pm.

DS Mark Naylor said: "I would like to thank members of the local community for their assistance during the incident.

Enquiries are ongoing and I want to reassure the public that we take all incidents of this nature extremely seriously.

Officers are in the local area today to provide reassurance and anyone with any concerns or any information is urged to speak to them."

Anyone with any information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 492 of 8 May or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.