POLICE in Harrogate are linking four cash raids involving knife-wielding robbers.

Three of the raids were at shops and one at a filling station. The robbers have been captured on video footage, which is being studied by police.

Detective Sergeant Paul Somerville, who is leading the hunt, said: "These are particularly nasty offences by violent men, all in the same area.

"Fortunately, only one person has been slightly injured. But unless we catch these people they could do someone serious harm."

The first raid happened on December 19, at 5.30pm, in the Blockbuster video shop in Stonefall Avenue, Starbeck.

An assistant required hospital treatment after being cut with what looked like a kitchen knife.

The attacker then cut wires to the electronic till and ran out of shop with it.

The following day, at Tesco Express filling station, Knaresborough Road, Starbeck, at 9.30pm, two men, both armed with knives, demanded cash from the till before fleeing.

On Boxing Day there were two raids. At 4pm in the Booze Buster off licence, Skipton Road, New Park, an attacker armed with a knife demanded cash from the till before fleeing.

Five hours later, at Thresher's wine merchants at the junction of Leeds Road and St George's Road, an assistant was threatened with a knife before cash was demanded.

Police say both attackers are described as small, white, with gaunt features and have prominent noses.

Any witnesses are asked to contact the police on (01423) 539352.