FOUR people have been arrested following investigations into reports of an armed robbery and racist threats to shopkeepers in Birkenhead.
A 14-year-old boy from Rock Ferry, a 15-year-old boy from Prenton, and a 16-year-old boy from Rock Ferry have been arrested on suspicion of affray, robbery, assault and racially aggravated public order offences.
A 19-year-old man from Rock Ferry has been arrested on suspicion of affray, robbery and assault.
All four have been taken to a police station for questioning by detectives.
Merseyside Police received reports of an armed robbery and aggressive and racial threats to shopkeepers in two separate Birkenhead incidents this morning, Sunday.
Around 10.10am, a member of staff at the MRM store in King Street called after two males allegedly entered the location and made threats to staff, demanding money while cigarettes and a bottle of alcohol were taken.
No one was injured, and the pair left on foot in the direction of New Chester Road on to Rock Lane East, allegedly entering the Everfresh store at approximately 10.20am armed with a knife, where police say staff were racially and verbally abused.
Everfresh, Rock Lane East (Google Maps)
The offenders are described as both wearing facial coverings, with one in possession of a weapon described as a knife.
One of the males is described as wearing a black bubble coat with grey lining inside the hood.
The other male is described as wearing a black Canada Goose coat with white fur lined hood.
Police say the males were then joined by another third male, and made off in the direction of Rock Lane East, towards the river. Forensic and CCTV enquiries are still ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
Detective Inspector Siobhan Gainer said: "The staff they confronted in both incidents were thankfully unhurt but understandably distressed having been threatened in such an aggressive way.
“We would also like to emphasise that hate crime will not be tolerated and Merseyside Police will continue to work hard so that those responsible for incidents of hate crime are brought to justice.
"We are still appealing to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area today to contact us as part of this ongoing investigation.
“There may be members of the public who were passing in their vehicles and recorded dash-cam footage of males close to the shop or surrounding area, and any piece of information or footage, however small, may be vital for our investigation.
"I want to reassure all residents and businesses that incidents like this are rare and we will do everything possible to identify the offenders and bring them to justice, and ensure that Birkenhead continues to be a safe place to live, work and visit."
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously and for free on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here