SIX men have been arrested in dawn raids as part of a police investigation into a series of cash-in-transit robberies.

Detectives raided a house in Burnley and nine properties in the Cheetham Hill and Higher Broughton areas of Manchester yesterday (WEDNESDAY).

Six men were were all arrested at the scene on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and money laundering.

They all remained in police custody last night and are due to face further question this morning.

Detective Inspector Vicki Kenyon, of Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Crime Division, said: “This investigation has been long-running and we have made six arrests in yesterday morning’s strike.

“The investigation focuses on cash-in-transit robberies whereby the offenders brandish weapons whilst using threats and violence against the guard in order to steal a cash box, as well as the subsequent laundering of the money; both of which cause damage and worry in our communities.

“We will continue to work with our partners and the local communities to keep our streets safe and bring those who blight our communities to justice.”

DI Kenyon appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

The arrests came as part of Operation Speedway, which is an investigation into a series of 13 cash-in-transit robberies, predominantly in the Cheetham Hill and Broughton areas, and 23 crimes of money laundering.

The warrants were executed by Greater Manchester Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, Challenger Manchester,and the City of Manchester Team.

Police patrols were stepped up in the areas in the aftermath of the robberies

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or report it online via https://crimestoppers-uk.org.