DETECTIVES have issued a CCTV image appeal after a series robberies in which two victims were hit with a baseball bat.

Images of two men who police may have information following the attacks in St Helens have been released.

'Grabbed around the throat'

At around 5.10pm on Sunday, July 31, a young man was walking along Duke Street in St Helens town centre, near to Hot Stuff takeaway, when he was approached by two "unknown males".

He was grabbed around the throat and demands were made for his wallet.

He was assaulted to the head by a baseball bat and ran into the takeaway where he was assisted by staff.

The suspects ran off down Duke Street, turning into Hamer Street. He was left shaken but not seriously injured.

Delivery driver attacked

A short time later on Hamer Street, a delivery rider was sat on his motorcycle outside The Balti Tandoori Restaurant.

He was approached from behind and struck on the shoulder and neck by a man carrying a baseball bat.

The victim was wearing a protective jacket and helmet and was able to take the bat from the suspect, before restaurant staff came out to assist.

The suspects ran away towards Lowe Street/Barton Close. 

St Helens Star: Detectives have released this imageDetectives have released this image
 
Meanwhile, at 5.20pm, a woman was walking along Cowley Hill Lane near to Cooper Street, when she was approached by a man who demanded her bag and purse, which she handed over, fearing for her safety.
 
A second delivery driver stopped to assist, and had his mobile phone stolen in a struggle. The suspects ran off towards Atherton Street.

READ > Mum's shock after terrifying knifepoint robbery on boys
 

Chaotic and shocking robberies - what police have said

Detective Sergeant Dave Glover said: “This was a chaotic and shocking series of events, which took place in a very short space of time and left those targeted distressed and the first victim injured.

"Since then, we have continued to carry out extensive inquiries to identify those responsible and remove them from the community, and we will take action on any information that comes in. 
 
“The men pictured may have information to assist us in this investigation, so if you recognise them please come forward.

"Though we understand the images are not crystal clear, if you recognise them or their clothing then please come forward.
 
“If you were in the area on the day in question and saw any of these incidents, or live or work locally and have CCTV, dashcam and other footage to help, please let us know.

"Our enquiries lead us to believe that the robbery of the woman and the second delivery driver may have been witnessed by at least one other member of the public. Was this you? Please come forward directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”