POLICE believe two robberies in County Durham where a masked raider threatened the young shop assistants with a crowbar could be linked.

In both incidents, in Shildon and Fishburn, a balaclava-clad man burst into the stores and demanded money from the terrified cashiers.

The first robbery happened at the Co-op in Butterwick Road, Fishburn, last Friday, just before 8.45pm.

A man ran into the store and threatened the female cashier with the crow bar before slamming it on the cash register and fleeing with the money.

His accomplice was waiting outside the store and police said the pair sped off in an old, dark coloured car.

The second robbery took place at Alldays in Redworth Road, Shildon, at 8.55pm on Sunday. The man also threatened the woman before hitting the crowbar on the counter and fleeing with money from the till.

Det Con Walter Hirst, of Newton Aycliffe Police, said: "Both these girls were very shocked and shaken by the incidents.

The man who burst in acted in a very threatening manner towards them and they were both very frightened for their own safety.

"We believe the two incidents could be connected."

The Fishburn robber was described as 5ft 11ins tall and in his late twenties. The Shildon robber was about 5ft 5-6ins tall, of slim build, in his mid-twenties and had a local accent.

They were both white and wore dark clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newton Aycliffe Police on (01325) 314401.