Police investigating a series of armed robberies following false online advertisements across Greater Manchester have arrested five people

Four men – aged 43, 24, 22 and 19 – and a 41-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery. They all remain in custody to be interviewed by detectives.

Officers also recovered a stolen car and two machetes during the arrests – which took place in the Oldham and Newton Heath areas of Greater Manchester.

The arrests are in connection with several armed robberies that are believed to have occurred between Tuesday 19 November 2019 and Wednesday 22 January 2020 following false car advertisements on the online auction website, Ebay.

Detective Inspector Joseph Harrop, of GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, said: “Our dedicated team of detectives have been working extensively to investigate this shocking string of violent and abhorrent attacks and while we have made five arrests, we continue to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“It is important that the intensity of this investigation persists and therefore we continue to ask members of the public to contact police if they have any information or concerns that they have relating to armed robberies of this nature.

“I would also like to remind members of the public to remain vigilant and alert when dealing with online advertisements on auction sites and anyone with any suspicions should contact police in confidence immediately.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 0161 856 4409 quoting incident number 1926 of 21/01/2020. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.