CCTV images in bike theft probe

POLICE have released photos of someone they want to speak to in connection with bike thefts.

Detectives from Merseyside Police issued the images of a shirtless male captured on CCTV footage as part of their investigation and said he may have important information.

On Sunday, September 5, two 14-year-old boys, Bootle and Liverpool, were arrested on suspicion of robberies and attempted robberies in the area around Eastbank Street in Southport town centre after reports that young people had bikes forcibly taken from them.

The two boys arrested have since been bailed and three bikes stolen have been returned to their owners. No injuries were reported but the victims were left shaken by the incident.

The investigation is ongoing and detectives are appealing for anyone with information or who may recognise the male pictured to get in touch.

DI Gillies said: “We’d like to speak to the male pictured as he may hold vital information to assist this investigation.

“While we were able to make two swift arrests following these robberies, our enquiries remain ongoing and we’d ask anyone who recognises the male pictured to get in touch.

“Similarly, if you were in the Eastbank Road area on Sunday 5 September and saw anything or anything suspicious then do let us know as information you hold could be vital to our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via social media or 101 quoting ref. 21000618642 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its online form.

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