A MAN brandishing a knife jumped over the counter of a petrol station in Crewe and stole money from the till.

Police believe the incident could be related to an earlier attempted robbery at a takeaway, and are appealing for information on both offences, which took place on Sunday, June 29.

The first robbery took place at approximately 10.23pm at a take away on Earle Street, Crewe.

The offender entered the premises and approached the counter brandishing a knife and demanded that staff handed money over to him.

Staff told the offender that they didn’t have any money to give him and he left the premises empty handed.

The second robbery took place approximately 15 minutes later, at 10.42pm, at a petrol station on Victoria Avenue.

Once again the offender entered the premises brandishing a knife and demanded that staff handed money over.

He then jumped onto the counter and took money from the till, before fleeing the premises.

Police believe the two incidents could be linked and enquiries are ongoing.

A 22-year-old man from Crewe has since been arrested in relation to both offences; he has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Officers are keen to hear from anybody who may be able to assist with their enquiries. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 999 of 29/6/2014.

Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.