BUSINESS owners are fearing they may be next after a spate of armed robberies.

Restaurant owners have said they are extremely concerned after two eateries were targeted in less than five days.

Last Monday three masked men brandishing hammers and knives stormed Domino’s Pizza on Chester Street, Saltney and on Thursday three men wearing balaclavas and armed with a machete burst into Pizza Hut on Chester Road West, Shotton.

During both incidents the robbers threatened staff before making off with a quantity of cash.

Mohammed Monchab Ali, owner of the Bengal Dynasty in Shotton, told the Leader it was a very worrying time.

“As a local business owner I am very worried about this,” he said.

“It is a big concern for the whole community, but especially for businesses.”

Mr Ali says he has briefed his staff about how to act in the event of an attack.

He added: “I have spoken to my staff and briefed them about what to do, but with these kind of incidents you never know what could happen no matter how much you prepare.

“My staff are in two areas – in the kitchen and out at the front – I have asked them to keep the doors locked, which we always do.

“I have also told them not to confront anyone and to call the police if they are able to.”

Mr Ali says he will speaking to Sgt Tony Heaword, from the Deeside neighbourhood policing team, about his concerns.

Connah’s Quay councillor Bernie Attridge is now calling for an increased police presence in his ward.

He said: “I am very concerned that these serious incidents are getting closer to the town of Connah’s Quay.

“We have many small businesses within the town that are in the takeaway businesses and I fear that Connah’s Quay could be next, so a high profile police presence would be reassuring to the good people of Connah’s Quay.”

Police are still appealing for witnesses to both robberies. Anyone with information should call the non-emergency number on 101.

North Wales Police were unable to comment at the time of going to press.