POLICE have arrested a man in connection with two alleged shop robberies in Greenock.

A 44-year-old has been detained on suspicion of making off with thousands of pounds from the Betfred bookmakers at the West Station and a three-figure sum from the Liquor Shed off-licence on West Stewart Street last month.

He was arrested by police on Saturday and is due in the dock at Greenock Sheriff Court on Monday.

Several hundred pounds was allegedly stolen from the off-licence on April 25 and thousands from the Newton Street betting shop on April 29.

Detectives have been carrying out extensive investigations and have thanked the public for their help.