A 39-year-old man remains in police custody today following a series of armed robberies at two shops in the Ashford area on Boxing Day.
The suspect, from Lyminge, was held by armed officers on Friday evening after Kent Police launched a rapid investigation into reports of threats involving a firearm.
According to police statements, patrols were first alerted on the morning of Friday, December 26, following two separate incidents at retail premises:
- Hythe Road, Ashford: A man entered the store and allegedly threatened staff with a weapon.
- St Katherine’s Crescent, Sellinge: A second, similar report was received shortly thereafter.
In both instances, the suspect reportedly fled the scene with quantities of cash and cigarettes.
Following “promptly completed” enquiries, armed units tracked the suspect and made an arrest later that same day. During the operation, investigators recovered a BB gun and a sum of cash believed to be linked to the crimes.
“The suspect was arrested by armed officers and remains in custody while the investigation continues,” a spokesperson for the force confirmed. Authorities have not reported any physical injuries to the shop workers involved, though the investigation into the circumstances of the robberies is ongoing.