AN ARMED robber has terrorised two Colchester businesses just days apart.

Detectives are hunting for the man who entered William Hill bookmakers, in Harwich Road, and pointed a gun at a customer and staff before fleeing on Saturday at 9pm.

It is believed just days later the same man pulled what looked like a gun on staff at family-run newsagents B H Winnock Stores, in Winnock Road. He again ran off.

The second incident happened on Thursday just before 9.30pm.

Detectives are urgently searching for the customer in the bookmakers to come forward in the hope they can identify the gunman.

Investigating officer, DC Aimee Burton, said: "The customer left William Hill shortly after the suspect fled.

“We have not been able to trace him but believe he could have vital information in relation to our enquiry.

“He may well have been very shocked and scared by what happened to him but I would urge him to get in touch and tell us what happened. We are also releasing a CCTV image of the suspect and if anyone recognises him or has any information that could assist our investigation I would like to hear from them.”

During the second incident in Winnock Road, the man fired the gun twice at bottles.

Police have examined the shards and believe it may not have been a genuine firearm.

The suspect is described as white, of skinny build and around 6ft fall. He was wearing a green hooded top and a black balaclava. The weapon he was carrying looked like a black handgun.

Anyone with information is asked to call Colchester CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.