FOUR youths arrested in connection to a series of eight street robberies which occurred in the Newport City Centre area have been released.

Superintendent Ian Roberts, local policing commander for Newport and Monmouthshire, said: "The four youths from the Newport area who were arrested on suspicion of robbery have now been bailed pending further enquiries by detectives. 

“No new offences have been reported to Gwent Police in the last 24 hours but we will continue with our overt and plain clothes patrols in the area to prevent further offences. 

“The public should remain vigilant and we are appealing for anyone with information about this crime series to please call us on 101 or on Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The arrests came following eight muggings that were reported in the centre of Newport in the space of just two days.

Four street robberies were reported in the area of the Old Green roundabout, and four others around the railway station underpass, the Riverfront, Clarence Place and the bus station between Wednesday, May 16, and Friday, May 18.

All the crimes were committed between 2pm and 11pm, and involved a group of youth approaching victims and demanding money or belongings.

Extra officers have been drafted into the area to carry out foot patrols, both in uniform and in plain clothes.