PATROLS have been stepped up in Bromsgrove following two knife robberies.

The first happened at the Londis store on Broad Street, Sidemoor, at about 1.45pm on Saturday, (February 22).

A man armed with a knife entered and demanded money. He was given £30 cash and then went behind the counter and stole four bottles of alcohol, six packets of cigarettes and two packets of rolling tobacco, before leaving.

It is believed two other men were waiting for him nearby and all three went into York Road.

They are described as white men in their late teens to early 20s. The offender was wearing a mask and a bright yellow hooded jacket with an Adidas logo on the rear. One of the others is believed to have been wearing a blue hoody.

The second robbery happened at the Wine Cabin in Birmingham Road at about 1.45pm on Sunday, (February 23).

A man entered the store and demanded the till be opened. He then produced a bread knife and repeated the demand.

The assistant fled the shop and tried to lock the offender in, but he escaped and was pursued in the direction of Burcot.

He stole three packets of tobacco and a bottle of Smirnoff lime vodka.

The man is described as 6 foot, skinny, in his early 20s, wearing black clothing and gloves with a black stocking over his face, and carrying a black bag on his back.

Detective Sergeant Ed Slough said: “We are looking into whether these offences are linked.

"They happened in the same area exactly 24 hours apart.

“We realise the local community will be concerned about these incidents and the Safer Neighbourhood Team has increased patrols as a reassurance measure.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DS Slough on non-emergency number 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.