Arrests After Southampton Armed Robberies

Three arrests have been made after a spate of armed robberies in Southampton.

Officers are investigating four armed robberies at convenience stores in the city.
 
The first incident happened shortly before 2.45pm on Thursday [Dec 22] where a man walked into a Spar shop in Sholing Road with what is thought to have been a hand gun. He asked the shop assistant for money, and left with around £400. 
 
The following three incidents happened in quick succession; one at 7.49pm at the Co-op on Tickleford Drive, Newtown in which no money was taken, another at 8.30pm at a pizza shop in Deacon Road where approximately £15 wassnatched and the final one in McColls in Montague Road at around 9.30pm, where again nothing was taken.
 
Police are linking all four incidents and officers have been making enquiries throughout the night. 
 
A 42-year-old man was arrested shortly after the first incident – he has now been released from police custody without charge. 
 
A 41-year-old man from Gosport, a 31-year-old woman and a 23-year-old woman, both from Southampton, have all been arrested on suspicion of armed robbery. 
 
Anyone with any information should contact Bitterne police station on 101, or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.