Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after two armed robberies at service stations in Milton Keynes.

The first incident happened on Wednesday (9/6), at about 1.55am at the BP Express on Childs Way. Two men entered the store and threatened the cashier with a gun. The victim was then forced to open the till. The offenders stole approximately £200 in cash and about £30 of cigarettes.

The second incident happened this morning (11/6), at about 12.55am, at the Texaco Somerfield service station on the Portway. Two men entered the store, one cashier was grabbed and threatened with a knife and the other was threatened with a gun. The cashiers were forced to open both tills. The offenders stole bottles of spirits, cigarettes and cash, the amount of which is not yet known.

Det Insp Neil Dodds, said: “We believe these robberies are linked and I would urge anyone with information to contact police. The victims have been through a terrifying ordeal and we need to catch these people before they strike again.

“We have officers visiting service stations in Milton Keynes today giving crime prevention advice. All service stations have been advised to lock their exterior doors at night and only service people via the service hatches. We don’t want to scare people but we have a duty to make sure local businesses are aware of the robberies and take all reasonable steps to protect their property and their staff.”

If you have any information about this incident, please contact Det Con Jess Cousens at Milton Keynes police station via the 24-hour non-emergency number, 0845 8 505 505. If you do not want to speak to the police, call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also give information to the police in person by visiting any police station. Find out the opening times and location of your local station (opens new window) or please call 0845 8 505 505.