BRAVE passers-by helped police to chase down a suspect after store staff were threatened with a screwdriver.

Officers were called to The Wine Loft on North Road at around 12.45pm on Saturday, June 8 to reports of a man entering the shop armed with a screwdriver. 

He then threatened a member of staff and took a small amount of cash. 

The man ran from the store but a suspect was detained by members of the public before being arrested by officers and taken to a police station for questioning. 

Detective Inspector Steve Ball said: "The brave and quick-thinking actions of those members of the public and officers who detained the suspect are a great example of communities working together with the police to help our communities stay safe. 

"We will act on all information provided on robberies and all crime targeting our local businesses and residents, so keep working with us and we will keep taking this positive action." 

Barry Simpkin, 42, of no fixed addess, has now been charged with robbery and possession of a blade/sharp pointed article in a public place. 

Simpkin will appear this morning at Merseyside Magistrates' Court, in Liverpool this morning, Monday, June 10. 

Anyone with information on a robbery in progress is asked to call 999. You can also contact @MerPolCC or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.