THE HUNT for the gunman who has terrorised the New Forest continues into the New Year as the fourth man arrested is released on bail.

Keith Michael Laidler, of Bramtoco Way, Totton, was arrested on Friday in connection with the two armed robberies but was released on bail until mid-February.

But he has been charged in connection with a completely separate incident and appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on New Year’s Eve accused of attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

The charges relate to an attempted robbery at McColls convenience store in Longstock Crescent, Totton, on October 21.

He is the fourth man to be released on bail by detectives investigating two armed robberies in the New Forest last month.

Last week it was revealed that a £5,000 reward was offered in a bid to track down the man responsible for the incidents at Brockenhurst Railway Station and at a couple’s home in Lymington.

A police drawing of the suspect, shown left, was also released.

The first robbery happened at around 6.30am on December 4, shortly after the victim had parked his Porsche at Brockenhurst Railway Station.

The gunman ordered him back into his car and the robber forced the man to withdraw and hand over cash.

In the second attack, a husband and wife were held hostage in their own home by the gunman, who then drove the woman around Lymington before returning her home.