DETECTIVES hunting for a raider who threatened petrol station staff with a meat cleaver have ruled out a link to four robberies in Poole.

The man, who fled from the BP garage in Ringwood Road, Bear Cross, with a quantity of cash is said to have a "distinctive" look with a pale face and long, black hair.

He is also said to be in his late 20s or early 30s and was wearing a grey hoodie at the time of the offence at 6.30am on Friday July 24.

Police are also hunting a man thought to be responsible for a raid at Jas News and Booze in Poole Road at 10.35pm on Sunday July 12.

The same man is wanted in connection with a series of three raids the following evening at the Shell service station in Bournemouth Road, the Tatnam off-licence in Tatnam Crescent and a robbery of a taxi driver in Longfleet Road.

The man is described as white, of slim build, 5ft 7ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing a light grey hoodie and dark sunglasses.

Anyone with information about any of the raids is asked to call Dorset Police on 101 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.