POLICE are appealing for information after two pubs were robbed in the space of nine hours.
Two men in their 20s have been released after being arrested in connection with an armed robbery at the Clwydian public house, on Prestatyn High Street, on June 5, at 11pm.
They have been bailed pending further enquiries.
A second robbery took place at at the Red Lion, in Llanasa, on June 6.
Detective Inspector Tim Evans, said three males entered the Clwydian brandishing a knife and stole a quantity of cash.
This is the second time the pub has been targeted in less than two years, after staff were held at knifepoint as the tills and safe were ransacked in October 2010.
A spokesperson for the Barracuda Group, which runs the Clwydian, said, “We confirm a robbery took place at the Clwydian on June 5 and we are assisting police with their enquires into this incident.
“Fortunately, our manager and staff were unharmed.”
A second report of an armed robbery was made at the Red Lion, in Llanasa, the second time in five months the pub has been targeted by an armed gang.
The occupants were threatened with a knife, before thieves fled with cash.
North Wales Police are appealing for information following both robberies.
DI Evans said: “These sorts of incidents are very rare and the public can rest assured we are using every resource to bring the offenders to justice.
“I am urging anyone who might have been in the area at the time and noticed anything suspicious to please get in touch with us.
“Enquires are continuing to establish whether there are any links between the two incidents and also with previous robberies reported earlier in February 2012.”
DC Jenny Sansom said they are anxious to speak to anyone who was in the Clwydian between 10pm and 11pm and noticed anything suspicious.
She said: “We are also appealing for witnesses who my have seen three men in the Nant Hall Road area of Prestatyn at about 11pm.“
Anyone with information is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.