Police have made two arrests after knifepoint robberies on taxi drivers in Paulsgrove, Portsmouth.

A 46-year-old man and a 41-year-old man, both from Portsmouth, were today in custody.

A robbery at a Spar shop in Leith Avenue, Paulsgrove at approximately 7.15pm on Wednesday, December 28 is also being connected.

All four incidents involving taxi drivers occurred on Friday, December 30 and Saturday, December 31.

Cash and mobile phones were stolen from taxi drivers and a quantity of cash stolen from the Spar shop. None of the drivers were injured.

Det Insp James Stewart said: “We would like to thank members of the public for their assistance in reporting any suspicious activity which may have been connected to these robberies. If you have not yet spoken to us but may have information which could assist the investigation team please do get in touch.”

Portsmouth District Chief Inspector Jim Pegler said: “This type of crime has a big impact on small businesses such as taxi firms and convenience stores. The offenders also targeted at lone workers.

“This type of criminal activity is not acceptable in Portsmouth. We will continue our work to make Portsmouth safer for all its residents.”

Anyone with information relating to these incidents should contact Eastern Investigations on 101 quoting Operation Chocolate. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The connected robberies are:

* At Spar shop on Leith Avenue at 7.15pm on Wednesday, December 28;

* of a taxi driver at 10.30pm on Friday, December 30 in Blakemere Road;

* of a taxi driver at 11.40pm on Friday, December 30 in Hillsley Road;

* of a taxi driver at 5am on Saturday, December 31 in Almondsbury Road;

* of a taxi driver at 2.50pm on Saturday, December 31 in Hillsley Road.