Man, 61, arrested over four robberies of women in Manchester city centre in one night

Police have arrested a 61-year-old man in connection with a series of robberies on women in Manchester city centre.

The first robbery happened at an unnamed business on Portland Street where staff were threatened and cash was taken.

Three more robberies were reported at businesses on Dale Street, Piccadilly - where two women were slightly injured in the robberies - and Dickinson Street.

The incidents happened between midnight and 6am on Sunday (13 March 2022).

Police said on Tuesday that a man had been arrested on suspicion of four counts of robbery and assault and is in custody.

What did police say?

Detective Inspector Peter Morley, from the City of Manchester division, said: “These reported robberies were on women who were either staff or shopping and thankfully, no one was seriously injured but they have all been left understandably shaken.

“Local officers have been following up various lines of enquiry and exhausting CCTV opportunities and have since arrested a man.

“We will continue to take action to reduce the number of robberies across the region, especially in the city centre where we have regular patrols as part of Operation Valiant - our anti-robbery operation.

“Not only this, but we want to make sure that women and girls feel safe in public spaces and GMP recently announced its strategy to tackle violence against women and girls which is a top priority.

“We will target perpetrators and take strong action against anyone who poses a threat to women and girls.”

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