STAFF at two businesses were confronted by robbers who threatened them before making with cash.

A 42-year-old shop worker is recovering from shock after trying to stop a crook who struck at Martins the Newsagents post office store on Culliford Crescent, Canford Heath.

After a brief scuffle the robber forced open the till and escaped with £200 at 12.30pm on Wednesday.

Detective Constable Liz Westaway said the thief had visited the shop only minutes before the robbery, and engaged the staff in conversation before leaving and then returning to commit the crime.

“Fortunately the cashier involved was uninjured though understandably shocked by the incident,” she said.

“It’s quite likely that the offender is a local man and may well frequent the area.

“I am seeking to speak to anyone who recognises the man from the description, and with anyone else who was in the area at the time of the robbery and who can assist my investigation.”

The robber is male, in his late 20s, about 6ft tall, average build, with short, blond hair.

He had scruffy blond stubble and was wearing a grey long-sleeved top and dark tracksuit trousers.

In the second incident, not believed to be linked, a robber vaulted over Ladbrokes betting shop counter in Christchurch Road, Boscombe, at around 8.20pm on Wednesday and verbally threatened staff, before fleeing with cash.

The exact amount of money stolen in the robbery is not being revealed.

The man, who was carrying a straw-coloured shopping bag, was wearing a blue top, with a hood pulled up to cover his face, and grey tracksuit bottoms.

Nick Weinberg of Ladbrokes said members of staff were unharmed and they were helping police with their enquiries.

Crime scene investigators carried out a detailed forensic examination of the area.

Police would like to speak to witnesses or anyone with information. They are not linking the two incidents but are keeping an open mind while investigations continue.

Neither robber is believed to have been armed.

Contact police on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.