Knifeman hunted after two attempted store robberies

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection to the incidents

A knife-wielding man attempted to rob two convenience stores in less than half an hour.

The first incident happened at about 16:10 BST at MS2 store on Greenway Lane in Chippenham. The second crime unfolded about 20 minutes later at the One Stop Shop on Sheldon Road.

Both times, the man left empty-handed.

Wiltshire Police's Sgt Jamie Ball said: "We understand these incidents will no doubt cause concern within our communities. Please be reassured that reports of this nature are very rare here in Chippenham."

The force have released a CCTV image of someone they want to track down in connection to the incidents.

At the MS2 shop, a man pulled out a small knife from his pocket and demanded a worker hand over the contents of the till.

But he fled the scene after being disturbed by a witness. A similar incident happened at the One Stop Shop.

Police said "extensive area searches" were conducted at the time, but they could not find the suspect.

Officers have now urged witnesses to come forward.