An 18-year-old man was arrested in Sudbury following an armed robbery at a convenience store in the town this afternoon.

East Anglian Daily Times: Police cars in Ballingdon Street where an armed robbery took placePolice cars in Ballingdon Street where an armed robbery took place (Image: Archant)

Police were alerted just before 3.20pm to reports that a man armed with a knife had entered Strawberry Stores in Ballingdon Street and had stolen items.

Officers immediately attended and began a search of the area. The police helicopter was also dispatched to aid in the search.

A short time later a teenager was arrested and taken into custody at Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre to be interviewed by officers.

The current owners of Strawberry Stores only took over the business three years ago, which at one time also housed the local post office.

The previous owners ran the general store for 26 years, and there has been a shop on that site since Gainsborough’s time.

This afternoon, Strawberry Stores was closed while police continued their investigations.

Will Wright, 36, who lives in Ballingdon Street and uses the shop, witnessed the high level of police activity.

He said: “I was walking back from town and I saw the police helicopter hovering in the sky.

“Then as I came over Ballingdon Bridge, I saw six or seven police cars lined up along the street which is quite unusual for this area because it’s usually really quiet.

“I really feel for the store owners. They are a lovely couple who work very hard for their local community.”

Police are appealing to anyone who saw anything in the area around this time to call Suffolk police on 101, quoting crime reference CAD 226.