Two arrests after spate of street robberies

‘Sword’ used in alleged mugging, police say

POLICE have arrested two men following reports of a spate of street robberies.

Detectives are investigating four incidents all alleged to have taken place in Accrington on Monday.

Officers said that they received reports that a knife was used in one incident and what is believed to have been a sword was used in another.

TWO men have been arrested after reports of a series of street robberies.

Detectives are investigating four incidents all alleged to have taken place in Accrington on Monday.

Police responded to reports that a 16-year-old girl and two friends handed over mobile phones during a robbery on Lancaster Avenue Accrington shortly before 2pm.

It is also alleged that two 15-year-old boys were robbed on Owen Street at the junction of Belgarth Road at around 6.20pm and handed over a small amount of cash. Detectives are also investigating reports of two other alleged robberies in Accrington on the same day.

The first is alleged to have happened shortly before 1.30pm close to Asda on Hyndburn Road by two men armed with a knife. The second alleged incident happened near to Platt Social Club shortly before 8.15pm when it is alleged a man was approached and threatened with ‘what appeared to be a sword’, police said.

Detective Inspector Rach Higson said: “These are serious offences which I appreciate will have caused some concern in the local community. We have a team of officers making enquiries and detectives are working closely with the Neighbourhood Policing Team to proactively identify and locate the offenders. Anyone with information should contact us on 101.”

Two men aged 28 and 32 were arrested and remained in custody for questioning as the Observer went to press.