Detectives are linking two armed robberies on Brighton and Hove off-licences last night.

The first happened at 9.20pm at Threshers in St. George's Road, Brighton. Two men wearing baseball caps and scarves to hide their faces, burst in and one went behind the counter.

The shop assistant thought he saw a knife and quickly locked himself and a colleague in an office.

The raiders fled with a can of lager and a bottle of whiskey. They were seen getting into a grey-coloured vehicle.

Just ten minutes later, two men entered Forbuoys in Graham Avenue, Mile Oak, Portslade.

One brandished a knife with a six to eight-inch blade and slapped a 28-year-old assistant across his face. They fled with the till contents, phone cards and cigarettes.

Both robbers are white, about 5ft 8ins, medium build, in their 20s, clean shaven with northern accents.

Detective Constable Pat Sweeney of Brighton and Hove City CID said: "We are linking these two robberies and are keen to hear from anyone who saw these men hanging around in the area or their vehicle."

Call DC Sweeney on 0845 6070999.