Police are appealing for witnesses to two attempted robberies which they believe may be linked.
The first took place at 12.21pm yesterday in Loughborough Road, Birstall.No one was injured in the incident and nothing was taken.
Minutes later, at 12.50pm, police received a call about another attempted robbery in Main Street Ratby. Again nothing was taken in the incident and no-one was injured.
Officers are investigating reports that the suspects may have been armed with a knife and a hammer.
During the Ratby incident a member of the public tried to block in the suspects' vehicle, to try and stop them leaving the scene.
Fifteen minutes after the second incident police had arrested three men, aged 17, 20 and 25 in connection with the incidents. They are currently in police custody.
DC Rob Buckley said: "We would like to thank the member of the public who attempted to block in the suspects' vehicle.
"We are keen to hear from other people who were in either Birstall or Ratby at the time of the incidents and saw anything suspicious either before, during or after the incidents, to contact me."
He added: "I know there were several people in the area during the attempted robbery in Ratby and we have not yet been able to track down all of these witnesses.
"You may think the information you have is won't be significant, but it could be essential to our enquiry. Even the smallest detail may help."
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Buckley on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
