Detectives have charged a man with a string of robberies at convenience stores across Lancashire.

Andrew Christopher Tomlinson, 32, of no fixed address, was arrested in London, following extensive enquiries by Lancashire Police.

Tomlinson is charged with six counts of robbery following raids at shops in Leyland, Penwortham, Chorley and Accrington.

He will appear in court in due course.

Detective Inspector Jane Webb from Lancashire Constabulary said: “In a three month period from October 2017 to January 2018 a number of violent robberies on shop premises were committed around the Chorley, Leyland and Penwortham area.



“Last week following an intense reactive police investigation led by Chorley CID, Andrew Christopher Tomlinson was arrested in the Heathrow area of London.



“We hope this arrest coupled with the arrest of Tomlinson’s co-accused Nathan Nicholas will give some reassurance to the public of Lancashire.”



Nicholas, 23, of no fixed address was charged with a single count of robbery in December.







· On 6th October 2017 a man entered McColls on Leyland Road in Penwortham and threatened the shop assistant with two knives in order to steal approximately £300 before making his escape.



· On 21st October an offender entered Bargain Booze on Whalley Road in Acrrington armed with two knives intent to steal. The shop assistant locked herself in a rear room and the offender left empty handed.





· On 26th October an offender entered Mr Booze on Haywood Road in Accrington armed with two knives he threatened the shop assistant with them and stole approximately £1,000.



· On 7th November two offenders entered Costcutters on Harpers Lane in Chorley one of whom was brandishing two knives. They threatened staff and made off with money and cigarettes.





· On 14th November a robbery occurred at Turpin Green Lane Stores, Leyland. Two males entered the shop in possession of a hammer and knives and threated the owner. The male with the hammer hit the shop owner over the head and his wife has also received a cut to her hand as she tried to defend her husband.



· On 3rd January Costcutters on Harpers Lane in Chorley was targeted again. This time the offender threatened staff with a knife and made off with £50.