BBC's Crimewatch Roadshow broadcast live from the city centre this morning (Monday, June 25) - even though none of the crimes highlighted happened in Chester.

Presenter Michelle Ackerley was in Town Hall Square to ask for the public's aid in helping police solve a terrifying robbery which actually happened at a pub in Ellesmere Port two months ago.

Reconstruction of masked robbers at The Cat pub in Ellesmere Port

The incident happened in the early hours of Monday, April 9 when the female employees at The Cat pub in Wolverham Road were cleaning up and were suddenly accosted by three masked raiders who subjected them to a petrifying ordeal, during which they were threatened with hammers and a crowbar.

BBC Crimewatch Roadshow, with presenter Michelle Ackerley, came to Chester city centre on Monday (June 25)
BBC Crimewatch Roadshow, with presenter Michelle Ackerley, came to Chester city centre on Monday (June 25)

The robbers forced them to open the safe, locked them in the office and attempted to smash their way into the fruit machines before fleeing with around £7,000 in cash.

The Cat pub in Wolverham Road

Speaking to Crimewatch, the victims said they had been so affected by the attack they considered giving up the pub, but were now determined to carry on.

Lynda Dixon, one of the staff members at The Cat pub during the night of a violent robbery

Detective Constable Stuart Wood from Cheshire police told the programme that he hoped new CCTV images of the three masked men could encourage crucial witnesses to come forward.

He said: "The staff members were subjected to a terrifying ordeal and we are determined to catch the men responsible and bring them to justice.

E.J Richards was on duty the night of the violent robbery at The Cat pub

“The offenders are all tall with an athletic build and were wearing dark clothing with their faces concealed."

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the offenders entering or exiting the pub or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area between midnight and 1pm to get in touch.

BBC Crimewatch Roadshow, with presenter Michelle Ackerley, came to Chester city centre on Monday (June 25)
BBC Crimewatch Roadshow, with presenter Michelle Ackerley, came to Chester city centre on Monday (June 25)

The other major crimes dealt with in this morning's Chester-based show were a theft of medals from Derbyshire and a Greater Manchester murder.