POLICE have charged two men in connection with a string of betting shop robberies across Hampshire and Dorset.

James Frampton, 29, of Byron Road, Eastleigh and Michael Purkiss, 55, of Arthur Road, Eastleigh, both face eight charges of robbery and eight charges of possessing a bladed article in relation to offences at:

  • Coral Racing in Bitterne Road, Southampton, between 8pm and 8.10pm on January 13.
  • Betfred in The Hundred, Romsey, between 8.10pm and 8.12pm on January 14.
  • Ladbrokes in Station Road, West Moors, Dorset, at around 8pm on January 16.
  • Ladbrokes in Long Lane, Holbury, between 5.10pm and 5.16pm on January 20.
  • Ladbrokes in Commercial Road, Poole, Dorset, at around 6.30pm on January 21.
  • Betfred in Upper Northam Road, Hedge End, between 8.10pm and 8.15pm, on January 23.
  • Corals in Oakmount Road, Chandler’s Ford, between 9.39am and 9.40 am on January 27.
  • Betfred, Bitterne Road, Bitterne, between 8.50pm to 9pm on January 30.

Both men are due to appear before Southampton Magistrates Court today.