A KNIFEMAN covered in a surgical face masks raided two Runcorn shops this weekend in attacks being linked by police

The first armed robbery occurred at around 11:45pm on Saturday, July 10, when an unknown man entered Runcorn Expressway Service Station on Thomas Jones Way.

The man, who was armed with a knife, threatened staff and demanded they opened the till and then stole a quantity of cash before fleeing the scene.

The second incident took place at around 6.40pm yesterday, 11 Sunday, when a man entered the Spar store on Palacefields.

Once inside, the man threatened staff with a knife before fleeing the store with a quantity of cash.

On both occasions the suspect was described as a white man about 6 feet tall and of slim build.

In the first incident the suspect was described as wearing dark clothing and a blue surgical face mask.

During the incident in Palacefields the man was wearing a hoody, tracksuit bottoms, trainers and a blue surgical face mask..

Enquires in relation to the incidents are ongoing and officers are keen to hear from anyone with any information which may help with their investigation.

Detective constable Maurizio Lucchesi, of Runcorn Local Policing unit, said: “These incidents are clearly concerning and we are committed to doing all that we can to trace the people responsible.

“At this time we are keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents are linked and as part of our investigation we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time these incidents occurred and believes they may have witnessed something that may be relevant to our enquiries.

“The same goes for anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage which may aid our investigation.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire police on 101 quoting IML 1034298, or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.

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