Police have arrested a suspect after a pub was burgled just days after its landlord was stabbed to death .
Christian Thornton, 49, died on the afternooon of Sunday, August 11, following a knife attack at the Hammer And Pincers on Liverpool Road in Widnes .
A Cheshire police spokesman said that days afterwards, unknown offenders broke into the pub and stole cash from fruit machines and the staff tips jar.
A van which belonged to Mr Thornton was also taken, though this was later found abandoned on Cherry Sutton, not too far from the pub.
The burglary came to light when Mr Thornton’s family visited the pub, which had been closed following his death, after discovering his van had been found abandoned.
Police subsequently launched an appeal seeking for any witnesses with information or footage to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Roberts of Widnes Local Policing Unit said: "Following Christian’s death there has been an outpouring of grief from the local community and I am now appealing to them for any information which may help in our investigation.
"I would like to hear from anyone who believes that they have seen anyone acting suspiciously near to the Hammer And Pincers on Friday, August 16 or Saturday, August 17.
“I also want to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen Christian’s van, a white Ford Transit Connect with a distinctive large red poppy on the front, being driven around."
Detectives investigating the burglary at the pub have now arrested a man in connection with the incident.
Police said the 36-year-old 'local' man was arrested earlier today, Friday, August 23.
He is currently being held by officers on suspicion of burglary.
