Masked robbers held staff at knifepoint while stealing cash from two shops in separate raids.

Thames Valley Police are investigating links between the robberies, which took place only a few miles apart in south-east Oxfordshire.

On the night of February 19, two masked and hooded men -- one brandishing a large carving knife -- robbed the Co-op store in Dorchester-on-Thames.

On February 20, two white men wearing scarves across their faces made off with cash from The Wine Rack in Wallingford after holding a knife to the throat of a female cashier.

One was thought to be in his late teens, who wore a beige coat, and the other in his early 20s. Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.