A MAN has been charged after three alleged robberies in Christchurch.

Officers were called at 5.30pm on Saturday, March 18 to reports that a man armed with a gun had entered the Co-Op Food store in Fairmile Road and stolen some items of food. No threats were made and no-one was physically injured in the alleged incident.

It is reported the man left the store, got into a white Ford Fiesta and drove into the Fairmile Service Station next door before walking into the petrol station shop with a gun, picking some wine and cigarettes and leaving without paying. No one was injured.

A short time later, it is claimed that a man entered Fairmile Convenience Store in Fairmile Road and stole some food and cigarettes. It is alleged a man and a woman were assaulted.

As the man got back into the Fiesta and drove away, police allege that the car was in collision with another vehicle.

A 23-year-old man from London has now been charged with robbery, assault, possession of a firearm without a certificate, theft and possession of cannabis.

He is due to appear before Poole Magistrates’ Court this morning.