Two men armed with a pistol and a hammer attempted to rob two villages stores in west Suffolk this morning, in the space of just half an hour.

The men entered a shop in Badwell Ash, on The Street at 7.10am, one armed with a pistol, and demanded money from a member of staff.

The shop worker managed to escape the premises and the armed robbers did not steal anything before fleeing the scene.

At 7.35am, two armed men, with a handgun and hammer, entered a shop in Stanton, on The Street, and stole £100, 200 cigarettes and some rolling tobacco.

Suffolk police believe the incidents are linked and are also connecting the theft of a blue Peugeot 306, registration V167 KWK, which was stolen from outside a property in Oakey Ley in Bradfield St George on Friday evening.

Witnesses to both robberies saw the criminals leave in a similarly described car and officers are keen to hear of any sightings of the vehicle since.

Both men are described as white and were wearing balaclavas. One was around 5ft 8in tall, wearing a dark blue hoody with green/yellow gloves, dark trousers, black shoes and carrying a white cotton bag with a pin hammer.

The second is described as wearing a black and grey hoody with grey sleeves, black trousers and carrying a small black handgun. During the night of Friday 30 January an attempt was made to break into a car on a drive in Rougham Road, Bradfield St George, and nothing was taken. Police are also linking this incident.

DCI Jim Gooding, said: “Thankfully no one was injured in the two robberies and investigations are underway to apprehend those responsible.

“I would urge anyone with information, or anyone who may have witnessed the incidents to get in touch.

“We are also keen to hear from anyone who had sighting of the Peugeot after it was stolen, or anyone who has seen anything suspicious in these areas.”

If you have any information that could help police, please contact Bury St Edmunds CID on 101 quoting CAD 72 of January 31 call or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.