Two held over raids on Co-ops after dramatic roof-top arrest
Two men have been charged in connection with a series of raids on Co-op stores after a dramatic roof-top arrest.
The suspects are being linked by police to attacks on several shops across Staffordshire and the Black Country.
The men, both aged 22, were held after two masked men struck at the Co-op in Overfield Road, Russells Hall, Dudley, as it prepared to open for business.
The robbers reportedly tried to grab cash and cigarettes from the shop and when police were called, they discovered a man at the back of the shop and one on the roof.
Police spokesman Lee Page said today: "Police responded to a 999 call after masked men allegedly threatened staff at the store on Overfield Road just after 6.30am. Officers flooded the area and stopped two men at the back of the shop.
"Following questioning the pair were charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, after a recent series of other local robberies at Co-op stores."
It comes after 19 similar raids on shops since July – seven of which happened at Co-op branches. Both men will appear before Dudley Magistrates Court this morning.
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