NEWSAGENTS were threatened during two separate knifepoint robberies in Blackburn.

Police say they are linking both incidents and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The latest incident happened on Monday at 2.30pm when a man entered Morgan's Off Licence, Livesey Branch Road and threatened a member of staff with a knife.

Police said he made off with £150 from the till.

It follows an incident the week earlier when a man wearing a balaclava threatened the shopkeeper at Number One News, Gib Lane, with a small pocket knife.

He demanded cash from the till and his wallet, before making off with £130.

The shopkeeper, a 64-year-old man was not injured but left extremely traumatised by the ordeal on Monday, October 8 at 2.50pm.

Detective Inspector Jill Johnston said: "We are treating both of these incidents very seriously, particularly as the man used a knife to threaten the shop assistants.

"Both were left extremely traumatised by the frightening ordeal and I urge anyone with information about who is responsible to come forward."

The man is described as white, aged between 20 and 30, 5ft 6ins, medium build.

On both occasions he was wearing a balaclava and latex gloves.

Anyone with information can contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.