Arrest made following armed robberies in Thurmaston and Birstall

Officers who issued a witness appeal last week following two armed robberies have arrested a 16-year-old youth.
The first robbery happened at around 9.50pm on Wednesday February 16, 2011 when a man entered Mark Convenience store on Melton Road near to the junction with Rookery Lane, Thurmaston.
He threatened the shopkeeper with what has been described as a firearm demanding money. He was given a quantity of cash and also made off with alcohol and cigarettes from the store.
He was last seen on foot travelling towards Thurmaston village.
The second robbery happened at around 10.40am the following day (Thursday February 17, 2011) at Wanlip Store on Wanlip Lane, Birstall.
During this robbery the suspect again with what has been described as a firearm threatened the shopkeeper demanding money and then cigarettes. The shopkeeper managed to press a panic alarm and the man made off empty handed.
He was last seen turning onto into Lambourne Road in direction of Watermead Country Park.
A 16-year-old has been arrested in connection with these incidents and he has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Detective Constable Sean Lynch is appealing for anyone who has any information to please get in touch.
He said: “In both cases, the victims were thankfully left unharmed but have obviously been left extremely shocked and shaken by what happened.
“We believe that both these robberies have been committed by the same person due to the similarities between the two.
“We are still appealing for anyone who has any information regarding these robberies to please get in touch. Even the smallest of information you have may be useful to our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DC 1114 Sean Lynch on 0116 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer and when prompted key in his identification number 1114. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

(Information copied from Leicestershire Constabulary website)
- posted by Anonymous on Friday, February 25, 2011

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