York police are urging the public to come forward following a series of an robberies which are believed to be linked.

The offences occurred between 6.50pm and 8.00pm on Wednesday 31 October 2012, in the Walmgate, The Groves and New Earswick areas of the city.

The first incident occurred at Kopernic Foods on Walmgate when an offender entered the shop and threatened a member of staff before damaging an amount of stock and leaving empty handed.

The second incident occurred a few minutes later at the Spar store on Lowther Street, when an offender entered the shop and stole an amount of cash from the till when a member of staff was present.

The third incident occurred at the Londis Supermarket on Hawthorn Terrace in New Earswick when two offenders entered the store and demanded money from the member of staff before stealing the cash register.

The first suspect is described as around 6ft tall with a slim build and dressed in a black tracksuit with the hood pulled up and gloves. The second suspect was slightly shorter and was wearing a black tracksuit top, blue jeans and brown footwear.

In at least one of these incidents the suspects had their faces covered.

Detective Sergeant Mandy Grundy, of York CID, said: “”I need to speak to anyone who can help to identify either of the people involved in these offences and I urge them to contact the police or Crimestoppers immediately.

“I am particularly keen to speak with anyone who may have seen someone carrying a cash register or till and has seen one dumped in the area and ask them to get in touch.”

Anyone who can help the police with their enquiries is asked to contact York CID on 101, press option 2 and ask for Rebecca Hughes or Peter Wilson . Alternatively information can be emailed to yorkcid@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 12120183954.