A MAN was arrested after a series of newsagents were raided.

On five separate occasions a man entered stores in the Crawley area claiming he was armed before taking a quantity of cash.

At 8.05am on Sunday a man entered Martins newsagents in Tilgate Parade, Crawley.

He threatened and pushed the member of staff then took a quantity of cash, believed to be less than £100, from the safe before making off on foot.

At 6.10am on July 11 a man entered McColls newsagents in Furnace Green Parade, threatened staff saying he had a gun and took £1000.

At 6am on July 4 a man entered Martins newsagents in Tilgate Parade and threatened staff saying he had a gun. He took approximately £2700.

At 6.15am on May 25 a man entered McColls in Ifield Parade, threatened staff saying he had a gun and took a quantity of cash.

Also, at 7am on May 5, a man entered Martins newsagents in Tilgate Parade, threatened staff saying he had a weapon, and then took an unknown quantity of cash.

No weapon was seen in any of the offences.

A 36-year-old local man was arrested by detectives yesterday evening on suspicion of the robbery at Martins newsagents in Tilgate Parade, Crawley, on Sunday morning, and on suspicion of four other robberies.

Police say he has now been released on bail for the offences.

Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Carr said: “Our enquiries are continuing and we are still keen to hear from anyone with information about any of the robberies. If you can help please contact us online or by calling 101, quoting serial 375 of 21/07.

“You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”