A 44-year-old man has been remanded in custody in connection with five violent robberies in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in which the victims were mainly older women.

The National Police say the investigation began in August after receiving several complaints from people who described being targeted by a man using a similar method.

Most of the robberies took place in the Salamanca district of the city.

According to investigators, the suspect selected people who were alone in public places before displaying a knife and threatening them in order to steal their money and personal belongings.

Officers carried out enquiries with businesses and members of the public who could potentially provide information about the robberies.

Police say the evidence gathered allowed investigators to identify a suspect who had previous police records for similar offences.

An operation was then established to find him, leading to his arrest in the Los Campitos neighbourhood on 21st August.

He was arrested on suspicion of five counts of robbery with violence and intimidation.

Following his appearance before the judicial authorities, the man was remanded in custody.

Details of the investigation and arrest have only been released by the National Police today.