A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with three recent armed robberies at convenience stores Cirencester and Chalford.

The three offences, in which an axe was used, took place around 6pm last Wednesday at Chesterton Stores, 12pm on Friday at Chalford Village Shop and 3.20pm on Saturday at Beeches Stores.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incidents including sightings of a small red van near to the scene around the specified times.

Crime team detective inspector Wayne Usher said: “I would like to reassure the public that we have acted swiftly to make an arrest in connection with these incidents.

"Officers have worked with local businesses to provide support and reassurance and we have also increased patrols in the area.

"We are still appealing for witnesses or anyone in the local area where the incidents took place who might have private CCTV which could help our investigation to contact us.

"We are also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a small red van around the time of the three incidents."

Please call police on 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.police.uk and quote incident 166 of 22/9. You can also give information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.