Three shops in small Lancashire town have been held-up at gunpoint within the space of ten days.
Detectives have arressted two men on suspicion of carrying out the first two armed robberies staged by masked men in Skelmersdale.
But police say there is no clear connection between the three raids and they are keeping an "open mind" on whether they are linked.
Raid No 1 came on Sunday 27th November a masked man, armed with a black handgun, entered the K & H Hives store in Tansfield.
He pointed the menacing weapon at two customers and demanded money from the shop assistant who stuffed cash from the till into a bag and handed it to the robber who made-off on foot towards Willow Hey.
The offender was described as being about 5ft 11 to 6ft tall, of stocky build and dark skinned. He was wearing a dark-coloured jacket and trousers, a hooded top and had his face covered.
Det Sgt Jon Cass from West Lancs CID said: “This is a serious incident which has left those in the shop extremely shaken and frightened.
“Anyone with information regarding the robbery or who thinks they saw the man before or after the robbery is asked to contact Skelmersdale CID on 01695 566043.”
Lancashire Police say a 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of armed robbery in connection with the raid. He has been released on police bail until 15th December pending further enquiries.
Raid No 2 came at around 7.30pm on Saturday 3rd December when a man targetted the Sports News show on Hawthorn Crescent.
The robber threatened the assistant with a small black handgun, produced from his pocket and demanded money.
The assistant refused to hand-over the takings and the man then forcibly opened the till and stole a quantity of cash before running-off in the direction of the Woodrow estate.
He is described as white, between 5ft 8inches or 5ft 9inches tall and of slim build. He wore dark clothing, including a jacket.
Police say that as he entered the store the man was seen to pull a cover over his face.
Det Sgt added: “This attack was a very frightening ordeal for the lone female member of staff and I’d appeal to anybody with any information that could assist with our investigation or identify the person responsible to contact police.
“Prior to the attack it is believed that the man has been outside the shop waiting for a customer to leave.
"I’d like to speak to anyone who visited the shop, the convenience store next to it, or who was in the area between 7pm – 7.40pm on Saturday night.”
Raid No 3 happened at 9.50pm on Tuesday 6th December when three armed men carried out a robbery at a convenience store.
The trio, all dressed in black, entered High Street Stores in Skelmersdale, armed with a "small handgun".
They demanded money from the lone female worker and escaped with a quantity of cash as well as approximately 50 packets of cigarettes.
Det Insp Marc Nasser said: “An investigation is now under way and although we are in the early stages we are already following a number of lines of enquiry.
“Thankfully the woman wasn’t physically injured during the incident, however, she has been left extremely shaken by what’s happened.
“If anybody was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious or perhaps the three men entering the shop or leaving the scene then I would ask them to contact police.
“I would also like to speak with anybody who has any information at all that could lead us to the people responsible for this robbery.”
People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken from callers who are not required to go to court.
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