Five people have been arrested in connection with two knifepoint robberies at convenience stores in Suffolk which left shop workers “very shaken”.

Suffolk police were called to McColl’s in Church Street, Eye, to reports of an attack at around 7.45pm on Sunday.

A man had entered the store and grabbed a female member of staff, threatened her with a knife and demanded cash from the tills.

He fled the scene a short while later, leaving empty-handed.

A police spokesman said the woman was left “very shaken” as a result of the incident but had not suffered any injuries.

Police then received another call at 8.45pm after receiving similar reports of a robbery at the Londis store in Sizewell Road, Leiston.

Similarly to the incident in Eye, a man entered the store and threatened a member of staff at knifepoint.

After a short scuffle, the suspect left the store with cash.

No-one was injured in the attack.

In the early hours of Monday morning, five people were arrested in connection with the two robberies, which are believed to be linked.

Two men in their 40s from Thetford, a 37-year-old man from Bury St Edmunds, and two women in their 30s from Thetford and Laxfield were taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning, where they remain.

Witnesses to the robberies are urged to contact police, quoting reference 18720/20 for Eye and 18710/20 for Leiston.

Wendy Alcock, clerk to Eye Town Council, said the area where the robbery happened is usually bustling with people - but had been quiet since the government lockdown came into force.

She said: “It’s quite a busy through road in the centre of the town. It was probably very quiet at that time.

“The robbery is something the police could do without, given the guidance that is coming down from the government.

“It does make you wonder who these people are and what morals they have.”

John Rayner, clerk to Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council, added: “The Londis is opposite a car park and a takeaway, but other than that it is a quiet area.

“The thieves were taking their chances. But I’ve got full confidence in the police.”