POLICE have launched a hunt after hammer-wielding robbers struck at the same convenience store twice in two days.

Detectives are investigating whether the two armed robberies, which both took place at McColl's on Ashtons Green Drive, Parr, are linked.

Police say no-one was injured during either robbery but staff have been left "badly shaken".

At 7.50am on Wednesday, July 29, a man armed with a hammer entered the shop.

The man made threats to staff and demanded cash before the leaving the shop and walking off in the direction of Cheviot Avenue.

The man is described as a white male, 5ft 11in tall, of skinny build and wearing glasses. He was wearing a turquoise bubble jacket with the hood up and a black and white checked scarf, grey coloured Tweed baggy pants and black shoes.

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Then at 2.25pm on Thursday, July 30, two men wearing masks and hoods entered the same shop. One of the robbers was carrying a hammer.

The men demanded cash and left on foot along Ashtons Green Drive in the direction of Cheviot Avenue.

One of the men is described as being 5ft 10in tall and wearing a red hat which covered his ears, an olive coloured top with a darker top underneath, dark tracksuit bottom and grey trainers. He was also wearing a dark coloured face covering. The second man was dressed in dark clothing, dark trainers with white soles and was carrying a JD Sports plastic bag.

Detectives are currently investigating whether the two offences may be linked.

An investigation is underway and house-to-house and CCTV enquiries have been carried out in the local area.

Detective Inspector Yoseph Al-Ramadhan said: “Thankfully nobody was injured during these incidents but staff members have been left badly shaken.

“We are committed to finding the people responsible and bringing them to justice and I would ask anyone who can help to come forward.

“I would ask anyone who was in the area of Ashtons Green Drive on Wednesday morning or Thursday afternoon who saw anyone or anything suspicious or anyone who captured anything significant on dash-cam footage to DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”