TWO armed robberies have been carried out at shops in Greenock.
The U Save shop in Roxburgh Street and Yorston Stores in nearby Brachelston Street were both held up this morning.
Police have yet to say if they believe the incidents are linked or not.
A staff member at U Save says a masked man wielding an axe burst in to the premises.
The stunned worker, 31, said: "It happened about half eight.
"Our manager was working on his own.
"The man came in with an axe and his face covered and demanded money.
"The manager went to the till and handed it over.
"He wasn't injured.
"There was a lady in the shop at the time as well, a customer.
"This has never happened before in this shop, it is a quiet street."
Police say the man who struck at U Save fled with a two figure sum of cash.
Detective Inspector David Wagstaff at Greenock CID said: "A male aged in his twenties, who was believed to be wearing a dark coloured hooded tracksuit, entered the premises in Roxburgh Street.
"He presented a weapon to staff and threatened them.
"He made off with a two figure sum of money and was last seen running along Roxburgh Street towards Trafalgar Street.
He said staff were shaken but not injured.
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to phone Greenock CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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