STAFF at two borough shops were threatened by axe-wielding robbers in incidents less than 24 hours apart.


Detectives are now investigating the robberies which occurred in Lower Gornal and Wordsley.


The first incident took place at 9am yesterday morning (August 23) at a newsagent in Lake Street, Lower Gornal while a cash carrier was in the store. 


Two offenders threatened the security guard with an axe and stole a cashbox. They then escaped on a red motorbike towards Russells Hall.


Then less than 24 hours later at 6.49am this morning (Friday August 24) a similar incident took place at the Spar store in Lawnswood Road, Wordsley.


The offenders tied up the staff and driver and stole a large quantity of cash before escaping on a motorbike towards the A449.


Det Sgt Michael Greenland, from Force CID, said: "During both offences the offenders had their faces covered. We are examining CCTV in the local area of each offence as well as carrying out local enquiries.


"We are aware of a current spate of robberies across the Black Country area; we are at an early stage of our investigations and trying to establish if there are any links between the offences."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Force CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.