Two arrests over armed robbery at Whitchurch tobacco supplier
Two men have been arrested on Merseyside in connection with an armed raid at a Shropshire industrial estate.
The men, in their 40s, are being questioned following the robbery at the Cherwell Group on Waymills Industrial Estate, Whitchurch, shortly before 7am yesterday.
They were stopped by police in the Skelmersdale area. Cigarettes were found in the Ford Transit van they were driving.
A gang of men are believed to have carried out the raid at the cigarette vending machine business. After tying up a worker, they took a "large quantity" of cigarettes.
Councillor Rob Hewson, mayor of Whitchurch, said he was very shocked and added a crime such as this was very rare in the town.
"I am shocked to hear that something like this has happened in our town," he said.
"Michael White, from the company, is a very respectable businessman who does a lot in the town. I am just upset that this has happened to him.
"I hope the police bring these people to justice, and they are prosecuted and given the sentence they deserve."
"I feel sorry for the man who was tied up. It's not nice for anybody," Councillor Hewson added.
Peggy Mullock, Shropshire Councillor for Whitchurch, said: "I am shocked and horrified at this. I just hope the member of staff who was tied up is okay."
Margaret Hiles, Whitchurch resident, added: "I am amazed to hear this. It's really bad.
"I can't remember anything like this happening in Whitchurch before."
The worker was said to have been left shaken, but unhurt in the incident.
Police believe those who were responsible for the raid made their escape along the A525 heading towards Nantwich in a white Ford Transit van.
Chris Ammonds, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said the men who were arrested were travelling in a white Transit van.
The van was found to contain a quantity of cigarettes in the back.
He said they were arrested on suspicion of robbery just after 9am and were being brought back to Shropshire to be questioned. Police investigating the raid have studied CCTV footage of the area for any clues.
The Cherwell Group premises remained sealed off yesterday while investigations were carried out.
Anybody with information about the raid can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Staff at the Cherwell Group declined to comment.
