POLICE have a strong lead in their hunt for an armed gang who raided an off-licence in Castle.

Three robbers burst into Cellar 5 at 10.10pm on Saturday August 8 and held the young assistant at gun point.

They demanded keys to the safe and grabbed takings and some National Lottery scratch cards.

They used a dark blue Vauxhall Astra to get away, dropping the money but not the scratch cards, after being confronted by a passer-by.

The following day, Sunday August 9, three of the winning lottery cards were cashed in.

The first, worth £20, was taken to Bargain Booze, on Victoria Road, at 5.46pm. And the second two for £2 and £4 were taken to Bargain Booze, on Middlewich Road, just 10 minutes later.

DC Dave Stott said: "We have caught a man on video cashing in the first ticket. There's no suggestion he was involved in the robbery but it is a very good link, especially as it was cashed the following day.

"We are desperately searching for this man. We've still got a few more people to speak to about the raid, which was especially nasty. The two shop assistants confronted are still very disturbed and shaken.

"But this is the strongest lead we have, and people tend to recognise a face."

If you can help the police in any way ring DC David Stott on 01244 613235.

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