Three people are being questioned by detectives in connection with a series of armed robberies in west Norfolk and the fens. Two men and a woman were arrested at a house in Littleport on Wednesday morning following a joint firearms operation between Norfolk and Cambridgeshire police.

Three people are being questioned by detectives in connection with a series of armed robberies in west Norfolk and the fens.

Two men and a woman were arrested at a house in Littleport on Wednesday morning following a joint firearms operation between Norfolk and Cambridgeshire police.

The arrests were hailed by detectives hunting an armed gang who have carried out terrifying raids on a number of rural properties and businesses in the last two weeks as a “significant development”.

The arrests come only a day after a gang of armed robbers held up a bowls club in Weeting.

A gang of three balaclava-clad men equipped with shotguns and metal bar struck at the Weetings Bowls Club during the early hours of Tuesday.

Masked men brandishing shotguns have also held-up home-owners and businessmen at properties in Nordelph, Stowbridge, North Runcton, Elm, Upwell, and Wereham, police have also linked them to other earlier incidents.

Shots have been fired in at least two of the attacks, although no one has been injured. Children were present in the property when a weapon was fired in a robbery in Upwell on September 16.

Det Insp Mark Beresford of Norfolk's Major Investigation Team (MIT), who is leading the inquiry, said: “The arrests are a significant development in our investigation into the recent series of armed robberies in the west Norfolk and fen area.

“However I will underline that this inquiry is still very much active and I can assure the local community that we are committed to identifying all those responsible and bringing them to justice.”

Police launched their operation at 11am on Wednesday at a semi-detached property in Millfield, Littleport. Armed officers from Norfolk and Cambridgeshire took part in the raid and two men aged 47 and 24 were arrested in connection with the recent robberies.

A 44-year-old woman was also later arrested at the same address, and all three were taken to separate police stations in Norfolk for questioning.

One witness, who did not want to be named said: “We saw the woman being led away with what looked like detectives.

“It is quite a surprise to see so much police activity in the area, Littleport is quiet, so it is unusual to see so many police cars.”

Det Insp Beresford, added: “Detective and crime scene investigators remain at the scene where a thorough scene and forensic investigation is on-going.

“There will continue to be considerable police activity in the coming days and weeks in connection with these events and the additional police resources in this area will remain in place for the foreseeable future.”

Detectives have been working closely with colleagues in Cambridgeshire and other forces across the country as part of the investigation.

Police are still appealing for anyone with information about the offences to contact the inquiry team on 0845 4564567 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.