TWO 15-year-old boys have been arrested after a convenience store and a chip shop were robbed within minutes of each other.

The pair were arrested at an address in Warrington today, Friday, in connection with the incidents in Widnes earlier this month.

The M&S Late Shop on Derby Road was targeted shortly after 9pm on Saturday, February 8.

Two men entered the shop brandishing an axe and demanded cigarettes before stealing a quantity of sweets and fleeing in the direction of Peel House Lane.

Minutes later, the pair ordered food at the nearby Peel House Fish Bar.

They claimed to have no money on them and demanded that a member of staff handed over a till.

After being asked to leave, the robbers produced a knife and threatened employees but left empty-handed on foot.

Detective inspector Ian Whiley said: “All that the offenders stole was a quantity of sweets, but these were frightening incidents for the people working at the businesses they targeted.

“The offenders were armed, and we are determined to establish their identities and make them face the consequences of their actions.”

Both boys were arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in custody this afternoon.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML632336, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.