SIX men arrested in Liverpool on Thursday morning as part of an investigation into bank robberies have tonight been charged. 

The inquiry centred on 22 robberies or attempted robberies at banks and post offices in Sefton, Liverpool, Wirral, St Helens, Warrington, Neston and Great Sutton.

A 23rd offence, which happened at a bank in west Hull on Tuesday 24th November, also forms part of the conspiracy to commit robbery charges, which apply to the period 25th September 2009 to 24th November 2015. 

The following people will appear before South Sefton Magistrates Court in Bootle on Saturday 28th November: 

• Kieron Anthony Whittle, aged 35, of Little Parkfield Road, Aigburth, L17 
• John Paul Stewart, aged 30, Waverley Road, Aigburth, L17 
• Ian John Stewart, aged 48, formerly of Stonegate Drive, Toxteth, L8 
• Alan Robert Lea, aged 38, of Verney Crescent, Toxteth, L8 
• Gary Thomas McNeill, aged 35, formerly of Upper Pitt Street, Liverpool city centre, L1 
• Shaun James McDonald, aged 38, of Charleston Road, Toxteth, L8 

A 39-year-old man arrested in Aigburth on Thursday morning on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.