A man arrested by plain-clothed police officers and charged in connection with a number of robberies, has been cleared of all charges by a jury.

Ashley Burke of Whitethorn Gardens, Croydon, was arrested in the early hours of July 23, by officers carrying out a proactive operation in Shirley.

Burke, 21, appeared in Croydon Magistrates Court in 2011, charged with three counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, possession of cannabis and criminal damage.

At a subsequent trial at Croydon Crown Court in February 2012, a jury could not reach a verdict.

At a retrial in July 2012 he was acquitted of all charges.