FOUR men have appeared before magistrates following a series of robberies in Bolton.

They were charged following robberies at shops in the town between January 8 and January 10.

Francis Phelps, aged 39, of Levens Drive, Bolton, is charged with robbery and attempted robbery relating to an incident at the Co-op in Tonge Moor Road, on January 8 and attempted robbery relating to an incident at Newsbox Newsagents in Newport Street on January 10.

John Phelps, aged 32 of Olaf Court, Bolton, has been charged with robbery and attempted robbery in relation to the same incidents.

Yaseen Mallu, aged 41, of Arnold Street, Bolton, has been charged with attempted robbery in connection with the incident at Newsbox Newsagents.

James Dickinson, aged 38, of Laycock Avenue, Bolton, was charged with two attempted robberies, two robberies, and possession of cocaine and a bladed article. He is charged in connection with a robbery at the Co-op in Tonge Moor Road on January 8, attempted robbery on Bradshaw Post Office on January 9, a robbery at the Co-op in Ainsworth Lane on January 9 and attempted robbery at Newsbox Newsagents on January 10.

All four appeared before Bolton Magistrates’ Court on January 12, and have been remanded in custody to appear before Bolton Crown Court on February 9.