DETECTIVES are hunting two robbers after three armed raids in 10 days.

The pair threatened customers and shop assistants with knives and screwdrivers before escaping with cash.

The most recent raid happened on Monday at 9.55pm when the pair stormed the Co-op on Lovely Lane, Bewsey.

As one stood guard at the door with a knife, the second man, brandishing a screwdriver, forced his way behind the shop counter and snatched several hundred pounds from both tills.

Two 19-year-old shop assistant were held up during the previous robbery at the Local on Warrington Road, Penketh, by robbers using a 12-inch screwdriver before stealing cash. The incident happened at 9.50pm on Thursday.

Two days earlier, police believe the same men targeted a Co-op store in Widnes.

The first man is in his 20s, 5ft 8ins tall and of medium build.

He wore a black, hooded top and black tracksuit bottoms and carried a screwdriver.

The second offender was aged between 16 and 18, 5ft 6ins tall and wore a black hoodie and bottoms.

Detective Sergeant Justin Hancock, Hancock added: "We are convinced the three attacks are linked.

"These are nasty incidents where innocent people have been put at risk and left shaken.

"We need to catch these culprits before they strike again."

Anyone with information should call DS Hancock or DC Darren Wright on 01233 613833 or 01244 613950.

beckykelly@guardiangrp.co.uk