Two men, aged 47 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of armed robbery after officers raided an address in Littleport, Cambridgeshire, shortly after 11am on Wednesday.

The arrests were made as part of a joint firearms operation by officers from Norfolk and Cambridgeshire Police, which also saw a third person, a 44-year-old female, detained in connection with the investigation.

All three are believed to have links with the Downham area. Det Insp Mark Beresford, leading the inquiry, said: "These events are a significant development in our investigation into a series of armed robberies over the past two weeks.

"However, I will underline that this inquiry is still very much active and that our officers are committed to identifying all those responsible and bringing them to justice."

The arrests were made just a day after armed robbers targeted Weeting bowls club.

SHOTS FIRED

A balaclava-clad gang, armed with shotguns, have also raided properties in Nordelph, Stow Bridge, North Runcton, Upwell, Elm, near Wisbech, and Wereham in recent weeks. Shots have been fired on two occasions but none of the victims have been seriously injured.

The three people arrested remained in custody yesterday morning and were being questioned by officers at police stations in Norfolk.

Late last night they were released on bail pending further inquiries.

A thorough forensic examination was made of the scene on Wednesday following the arrests.

At a press conference just hours after the three people were detained, Det Insp Beresford said a "significant number" of officers had been involved in the arrests and has not ruled out the possibility that other robberies have yet to be reported.

He added: "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." Police are still appealing for anyone with information about any of the offences to contact them on 0845 456 4567, or call Crime- stoppers on 0800 555111.