ROBBERIES were carried out on two Lower Stratton convenience stores this afternoon.

Grange Convenience Store and Ermin Food & Wine were cordoned off by police following the raids, which are believed to be linked.

A police helicopter and dog unit were deployed in the area in a bid to catch the suspect.

The two shops are within five minutes' walk of one another.

A police spokesperson said enquiries were ongoing and asked anybody who might have information to call either 101 or, in an emergency, 999.