A BRAVE shopkeeper fended off a knife-wielding raider late on Monday night – but just half an hour later a ‘linked’ incident saw a thief steal money, alcohol and cigarettes.

Police have launched a hunt for a man who attempted to steal money from the Nisa convenience store on Marlow Drive in Christchurch.

Store manager Purvesh Patel came within inches of being struck by the long blade, before defending himself with a nearby stool.

Mr Patel hit the store’s panic button and refused to hand over any money to the raider. A fellow member of staff called police, who arrived within minutes, but the culprit had left the scene.

“It is shocking because we have been running this store for nearly five years and I haven’t had any issues before,” Mr Patel said.

“This a local convenience store for the people living around here and they are all good to us - it’s a nice environment.

“Literally I was in shock. He tried to get the money from the till by threatening me. I shut the till and grabbed the stool to defend myself.”

The man police are looking for is described as white, aged in his late 20s and of slim build with dark eyes. He wore a jacket with the hood up and a scarf covering his mouth and nose. He also wore black tracksuit bottoms and transparent plastic gloves and was carrying a black rucksack. Police say the man was believed to have a European accent.

DC Matt Loader, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We are making extensive enquiries into this incident to identify the offender and I am releasing a CCTV image of the suspect in the hope that somebody might recognise him or the clothing he is wearing.”

Just half an hour later and six miles away, the Co-op store in Oak Tree Parade, Bransgore was targeted in a similar incident.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said they believe the two raids are linked.

Police say during the robbery a man threatened staff with a knife, before leaving with a holdall filled with alcohol, cigarettes and cash.

A spokesperson for the Co-op said of the robbery : “There was an incident at our Oak Tree Parade, Bransgore store at around 9pm on Monday evening when an armed intruder entered the store.“Fortunately no one was hurt, but colleagues were left shaken.” Police are investigating, and we appeal for anyone with any information to come forward. The store has now re-opened to serve the community.”