EIGHT men arrested by officers investigating a series of burglary and theft incidents in Widnes and St Helens and have been released on bail.

The arrested men - two 18-year-olds and the others aged 24, 25, 29, 30, 50 and 58 – were held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft and burglary following a series of dawn raids, have now been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

Warrants were executed simultaneously at addresses in Widnes and St Helens at around 8am on Wednesday.

After being questioned in custody, they have been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Ian Whiley of Widnes Local Policing Unit (LPU) said: “The raids – six in Widnes and one in St Helens – were carried out as part of Cheshire Constabulary’s ongoing mission to bring those involved in serious and organised crime to justice.

“They followed extensive enquiries regarding a number of burglaries and thefts across Cheshire and Merseyside."

Officers subsequently carried out extensive searches of all the addresses and seized two vehicles that are believed to have been used to commit crimes.

Officers also seized what is believed to be stolen property.

DI Whiley added: “Now that the properties have been searched, further evidence has been gathered and the men have been released on conditional bail, we will progress our investigation accordingly.”