MERSEYSIDE Police have charged Marcus Jones, 32, of Portland Street, Southport, with 2 counts of robbery.

He has also been charged with possession of a bladed article, along with racially, religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm and distress through words / writing.

We are told that the arrest is in connection with 2 robberies of convenience stores in Southport.

It was reported that a robbery took place at a shop on Southbank Road, on:- Sunday, 12 February 2023 and a further robbery was reported at another store on Duke Street, Southport, on:- Tuesday, 14 February 2023.

He appeared at Sefton Magistrates Court on:- Wednesday, 15 February 2023, and was remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, 15 March 2023.