Police are appealing for witnesses following armed robberies at two Co-op Group stores in Frome, Somerset.

The incidents happened at the stores on Culverhill and Rodden Road at around 6:00pm on 6 February and 9am on 7 February respectively, but are not thought to be linked.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “A man entered the convenience store and took a quantity of cash after threatening staff with what was described as a knife.

“There was another incident in Rodden Road when a man entered a convenience store and demanded cash before leaving empty-handed. He had with him, what is believed to be an imitation firearm.”

“We are continuing to provide high-profile patrols in the area to provide community reassurance but also receive information from members of the public.”

The incident followed a number of recent armed robberies across the UK.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police, quoting 5219027453 (Rodden Road incident) and 5219027047 (Culverhill incident).