Police are linking two knife point robberies which took place hours apart.

The first took place in Victoria Avenue, Hastings, at around 7.30pm on Saturday and involved a couple in their 50s being approached by a man who was holding a knife.

He demanded property from them and they handed over the woman's handbag and the man's mobile phone.

The second robbery took place at around 10.30pm at the junction of Victoria Avenue and The Ridge, Hastings.

A woman in her 20s was approached by a man who was holding a knife and demanded her handbag.

The woman managed to get away without handing over the bag and sought help from assistants at a local garage.

The woman said that a car was passing at the time she ran off and it is thought that the driver may have seen the offender.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "No injuries were caused as a result of these robberies but they were still very traumatic for those involved.

"They occurred three hours apart in the area of Victoria Avenue in Ore Village, Hastings, and involved a man of similar description on both occasions.”

The offender is described as white, in his 30s, of slim build and wearing dark clothing.

Call Sussex Police on 101.