A 52-year-old man has been arrested following two armed robberies at a travel agency in Fleetwood in Lancashire, which led to the shop being closed indefinitely.

Detectives investigating the robberies said the man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and is in police custody.

A post on the Fleetwood Area Policy Facebook page reads: “Detectives investigating two robberies at a Fleetwood travel company have arrested a man.

“We were called to the World Travel Lounge, Lord Street, at 10.37am on Tuesday (September 21) to reports of a robbery. It appears a man has passed a note to a member of staff in which he claimed to have a gun and demanding money. No weapon was seen and the man left with a large quantity of cash.

“We were called to the World Travel Lounge, Fleetwood, at 1.48pm yesterday (September 22) to a report of a robbery. It appears a man has gone into the store brandished a knife, threatened staff and demanded money. He left with a large quantity of cash.

“The two incidents are being treated as linked.

“Following a number of enquiries one man was yesterday (September 22) arrested on suspicion of robbery. A 52-year-old man from Fleetwood is in custody.

“We realise these incidents will cause a great deal a concern to members of the public and there continue to be increased patrols in the area.

“Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 0698 of September 22, 2021.”

Several people commented on the Facebook post to express concern for the staff, with one posting: “Omg they are lovely staff in there too how terrifying for them all x”

World Travel Lounge MD David McDonald told Travel Gossip that he had decided to close the shop for at least a week following the two raids and staff are receiving counselling.