White vans used in robbery at Whitchurch

Police are asking for help from anyone who may have seen a convoy of two white vans around the Audlem area last Thursday morning.

It follows a robbery in Whitchurch some time between 6.35am and 6.55am on Thursday 8th August when a group of men – possibly as many as five – forced their way into a business premises on the Waymills Industrial Estate in Whitchurch and then tied up a male member of staff.

The men then stole a large quantity of cigarettes from inside the premises before making their escape in a white van. It is thought the van made off in the direction of Nantwich.

Two hours later – at around 9.00am – as a result of police officers from the North West Motorway Policing Group stopping a white van in the Skelmersdale area of Merseyside following a short pursuit, two men were arrested in connection with the robbery.

These men were brought down from Merseyside to be taken into custody in Shrewsbury and they remain in custody at the present time.

Speaking about the investigation into this incident, Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy, from CID in Shrewsbury, said: "The investigation into this incident is ongoing and we remain keen to hear from anyone who may have information about it."

"We now believe the offenders travelled to and from Whitchurch in convoy in two vans and therefore we are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the vans travelling together in the Whitchurch area between 5.30am and 7.15am on Thursday morning."

"One of the vans is described as being a white Transit, while the other is described as being a white box van – possibly a Luton type model."

"I would ask anyone who believes they may have information about this incident to contact police in Shropshire on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident number 26N 080813, or alternatively, please remember that Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111."

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