Two men were assaulted with a baseball bat during a string of robberies which happened in less than 30 minutes.
The first incident happened at around 5.10pm on Sunday July 31 in St Helens. Police said a young man was walking along Duke Street near to Hot Stuff takeaway when he was approached by two unknown men. He was grabbed around the throat and demands were made for his wallet.
He was assaulted with a baseball bat and managed to flee into the takeaway where staff helped him. The suspects ran off down Duke Street, turning into Hamer Street. The victim was left shaken but not seriously injured.
READ MORE : Man, 22, shot dead just a few streets from scene of unsolved murder
A short time later on Hamer Street, a delivery rider was sitting on his motorcycle outside the Balti Tandoori Restaurant. He was approached from behind and struck on the shoulder and neck by a man carrying a baseball bat. The victim was wearing a protective jacket and helmet and was able to take the bat from the suspect, before restaurant staff came out to assist. The suspects ran away towards Lowe Street/Barton Close.
Then at 5.20pm, a woman was walking along Cowley Hill Lane near to Cooper Street, when she was approached by a man who demanded her bag and purse, which she handed over, fearing for her safety. A second delivery driver stopped to assist, and had his mobile phone stolen in a struggle. The suspects ran off towards Atherton Street.
Detectives in St Helens have now issued images of two men who may have information following the series of robberies.
Detective Sergeant Dave Glover said: "This was a chaotic and shocking series of events, which took place in a very short space of time and left those targeted distressed and the first victim injured. Since then, we have continued to carry out extensive enquiries to identify those responsible and remove them from the community, and we will take action on any information that comes in.
"The men pictured may have information to assist us in this investigation, so if you recognise them please come forward. Though we understand the images are not crystal clear, if you recognise them or their clothing then please come forward.
"If you were in the area on the day in question and saw any of these incidents, or live or work locally and have CCTV, dashcam and other footage to help, please let us know. Our enquiries lead us to believe that the robbery of the woman and the second delivery driver may have been witnessed by at least one other member of the public. Was this you? Please come forward directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers."
Anyone who recognises the males pictured or has other information is urged to contact police via their social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' quoting incident reference 22000553176. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form here.
READ NEXT :
Mum on Universal Credit rushed to hospital after living on one meal a day
Barred customer threatened pub worker with baseball bat
Couple furious at neighbour's 'passive aggressive' note
Witness describes sinister threats at house near murder scene
